President Uhuru Kenyatta has admitted that he indeed wanted to relinquish the presidency and retire to his Gatundu home after his win was nullified after the 2017 general election.

Uhuru says he contemplated vacating State House after the Supreme Court annulled his victory saying he believed this option would have safeguarded the country’s peace.

The Head of State made the revelations on Friday during a meeting with various religious leaders on unity and peace ahead of the August 9, election at State House, Nairobi.

“A lot has been said about me. Some are even going out there saying how I wanted to go to Gatundu after the Supreme Court nullified my 2017 election. I want to confirm that, indeed it's true. Yes, I wanted to go home. Because, if going home would have brought peace in this country, then I was ready,” Uhuru said at the meeting.


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This comes days after Deputy President William Ruto faced a backlash after an audio recording leaked in which he is heard saying he thought of slapping Uhuru in 2017 after his re-election was nullified by the courts.   

He said he was more concerned about peace and unity than him occupying the highest office in the land in a divided country, hence his decision to shake hands with Raila Odinga.

“The reason why I went for the handshake was to foster peace to this country and nothing else. I'm always of the opinion that peace is more important than even power,” he noted.

He challenged members of the church and their leaders not to fall for propaganda sold to them by some leaders to poison them against other leaders ahead of the August poll.

“I always stand for the truth. Our people have been poisoned through the churches. Let's be honest. It's unfortunate. But am happy most of you the church leaders, have refused these leaders of deceit,” the Head of State added.

Uhuru challenged leaders in Kenya to endeavor to serve Kenyans and not themselves.


“Leaders come and go. But nations stand. It is therefore important for us to yearn serving the nation, than serving ourselves. I beseech to you men of God, to help us in praying for this nation especially as we head for the August elections,” he intimated.

He asked the religious leaders of different faiths to back Raila’s presidential bid through the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition party and preach peace in their different churches.

“I want to send you out there. Go and preach peace. Let us support Raila Odinga. I can assure you, he means we'll for our Gema nation.”