President William Ruto has publicly acknowledged Raila Odinga’s support, saying his former arch-rival came through for him as he received a warm welcome in Kisumu.
Without details on the kind of support received, the head of state said he will work with Raila to unite Kenya.
“Raila and I agreed (to work together). You know there was a time I helped Raila and this time round he has helped me, why should anyone find a problem with that?” Ruto posed while addressing a mammoth crowd in Kondele.
This was the first time since the youth-led nationwide protests that almost toppled his administration in June that Ruto admitted to Raila’s support.
Without naming names, the President told off politicians who were “spreading tribalism and division”, saying they had “no space in the new Kenya”.
“I stood here in Kondele some time back and said we will work together to unite Kenya. Those who promote division, hatred and tribalism will be shown the way to go home.”
Residents thronged the street, holding banners and cheering as the President made his way to Kondele, the political heartbeat of the lakeside city.
The area has in the past been volatile towards Ruto, owing to the political differences that existed between him and Raila.
But since they closed ranks, the region has expressed solidarity with President Ruto.
As the President’s convoy made its way, Ruto was flanked by a charged crowd that appeared excited to see him - giving him a heroic reception for the second time since the formation of the broad-based government.
Ruto was in Kisumu for the opening of the fourth Africa Sub-Sovereign Network Conference being held at the Swiss Grand Royal Hotel.
Ruto reiterated his administration’s commitment to back Raila in his Africa Union Commission bid, saying he will “pull all strings” to ensure the former Premier is successful. “We support Raila’s bid to become the AU chair.
"Let us pray for his success as he seeks votes across the continent,” Ruto said.
While addressing a crowd in Kisumu, the President appealed to Kenyans to set aside divisions based on ethnicity, hatred and regionalism and work towards a united and prosperous Kenya.
It is time for the nation to come together and move beyond tribalism and segregation, he added.
He reaffirmed that his government is for all Kenyans, saying no Kenyan, no matter their background or location, should be left behind in the journey of national development.
“This is a broad-based government and we will ensure no one is left behind. We must move forward as one nation, united for progress,” he said.
The government’s mission is to ensure that all regions benefit from progress, with opportunities for employment, healthcare and economic development.
Ruto also outlined key areas of focus for the government.
“We will invest in agriculture to reduce the cost of living. We are also focusing on Universal Health Coverage so that every Kenyan can access healthcare, regardless of their financial status. Affordable housing will be built, especially for the youth, to create jobs and promote economic growth.”
He praised the work done by Community Health Promoters, noting that they now number 108,000.
Accompanying the President were
Interior PS Raymond Omolo, governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, Treasury CS
John Mbadi, Governors Ken Lusaka
(Bungoma), James Orengo (Siaya),
and Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay).
