NAIROBI, Kenya Apr 11 – Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and suspended Higher Education Minister William Ruto returned to the country on Monday from Hague and assured their supporters that they had a strong coalition to contest the presidency in 2012.
Addressing what they called a prayer rally, Mr Kenyatta said that it was time to build the nation together, bring reconciliation, forgive each other, and enforce peace in the country.
"We are here today to urge you to remain united so that we can build our nation and foster peace in the country,” he said.
Mr Kenyatta told his supporters that he was overwhelmed by the support he received upon his return to the country adding that that was a sign that the reconciliation efforts were fruitful.
"We trusted in God that we will go to The Hague and come back. Through your prayers you gave us the strength and I nearly wept as I saw the multitude of people that had lined the streets to welcome us back home and tell us they are with us," he said.
Eldoret North MP William Ruto challenged the youth who had turned up at the rally in large number to take up the responsibility to transform and change Kenya.
"Never again should they fight over politics, and we are saying it from deep down our hearts and we must make this pledge to ourselves," Mr Ruto said.
Tourism Minister Najib Balala, who has in past been credited with the announcing triumphant political alliances, this time, urged Kenyans to be patient as the new political outfit was being formed.
"Don\’t grow impatient with the waiting for the party. Each of us here has his own party but when the time comes we will all go into a ferry that will take us to State House," said Mr Balala.
Both Mr Ruto and Mr Kenyatta were driven off from the airport in a convoy that passed through North Airport Road, Outer Ring, Jogoo Road, Haile Selassie Avenue to Uhuru Park where they attended a prayer meeting.
The more than 15 vehicle convoy arrived at Uhuru Park at 1.30pm, where they were met by thousands of supporters including Cabinet ministers Sally Kosgei Kiraitu Murungi and Samuel Poghisio among other politicians.
There was tight security at the grounds as the use of the venue was disputed between their supporters and those of Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The meeting was turned into a bashing session for Prime Minister Raila and his ODM party.
Speaker after speaker accused Mr Odinga and ODM of plotting to take the Ocampo Six to the war crimes court so that they could have it easy in next year\’s general election.
The rally was preceded by inter-faith prayers.
The suspected masterminds of the deadly 2007-2008 unrest returned from the world criminal court to a huge welcome, vowing the country would never again be ripped apart by political violence.
Mr Kenyatta Mr Ruto, radio presenter Joshua arap Sang, Head of Civil Service Francis Muthaura, former police commissioner Hussein Ali were at The Hague last week where they face accusations of masterminding murder, deportation, rape, inhumane acts, persecution and torture which they all deny.
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