President William Ruto has said the country has moved on from old and backward politics of blackmail and division and rallied leaders to unite for the country’s development.
In an apparent reference to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who was impeached for propagating ethnic politics, the President said he is keen to unite Kenyans.
“The politics of blackmail have ended. Now, we are all united as Kenyans from across the country. We are focused on delivering development,” Ruto said.
Last month, Parliament – the National Assembly and the Senate – impeached Gachagua for, among others, advancing ‘shareholding’ politics that appeared to alienate sections of the country.
The former DP was also accused of insubordination.
Ruto spoke during a church service at Ekambuli in Khwisero, Kakamega county.
“We have agreed with all leaders that the most important [thing] now is not leadership and power. What is important now is development for the people of Kenya. That is what we should focus on,” he said.
Several leaders, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi who accompanied the President praised him for uniting the country and getting rid of those hell-bent on dividing Kenyans.
Mudavadi praised Ruto for getting rid of ‘wayward’ leaders who thrive on blackmail and division.
“I want to thank President Ruto for showing Kenyans you were elected by all and nobody should attempt to blackmail you,” he said.
“And Parliament, you have also shown your muscle. Leaders should not be wayward. They should be a unifying factor, humble and respectful.”
Ruto, who has experienced the biggest revolt over his policies and cost of living, said he spent two years in office fixing the economy.
“Now, we have stabilised the economy. We have lowered inflation. All those things that were giving us troubles have been resolved. This year until 2026, will be years of work,” he said.
The President articulated and defended his administration’s programmes, including the controversial healthcare system and the higher education funding model.
Terming the programmes a game changer, he rallied Kenyans to register with the Social Health Authority to enjoy the many benefits.
He said more than 14 million people have already registered and are enjoying the services.
“I’m shocked that an MP stands up and says he does not know what SHIF and SHA are. Now, you have passed a law and you are coming to tell Kenyans that you don’t know what you passed?” Ruto asked.
The President directed the more than 110,000 community health promoters across the country to enrol Kenyans into the new scheme.
He said the government has started to build 16,000 classrooms in readiness for students’ transition to Grade 9 in January.
The President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to support radical reforms in the sugar industry after assenting to the Sugar Bill, 2022.
“The new legislation will underpin our programme and transformation in the sugar industry,” Ruto said
