Believers in tribalism have no space in Kenya, says Ruto

President William Ruto on Thursday declared his resolve to unite the country is unstoppable insisting discrimination and negative ethnicity has no space in the country.

Speaking in Garissa County, Ruto said his administration is determined to ensure all Kenyans are offered equal treatment without discrimination.

The broad-based government, he noted, was meant to include all Kenyans in the running of government.

“It is my responsibility and I intend to unite all the people of Kenya because Kenya did not make a mistake to put us all as Kenyans,” Ruto said.

“That is why I have come up with the broad-based government that brings all Kenyans on board. Those who believe in tribalism and division they have no space in Kenya.”

Ruto further explained that his decision to abolish vetting requirement before people are issued with national identification card was informed by his commitment to make all Kenyans equal.

The head of state said it was discriminatory to compel only children from Northern Kenya to mandatory vetting before they are issued with the crucial document.

On Wednesday, the President abolished vetting of persons at Orahey Stadium, Wajir county setting stage for issuance of national identification cards to North Eastern residents.

Ruto said it was unfair that the region has for 60 years been subjected to mandatory vetting before they qualified for the crucial document.

“I was here and I told you I will abolish this 60-year discrimination. Before, the people of Northern Kenya were subjected to vetting as if they are not citizens of this country,” Ruto said.

He said the days when the region was not regarded as part of the country are over. The President also opened passport offices in Garissa to ensure smooth access of the documents to residents.

“I am going to open the passport office today, there is no need of people traveling to Nairobi to get passport,” he said.

Accompanying the President were Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale among other leaders from the region.

Kindiki said some leaders thrive in division and would do everything to ensure Kenyans are divided along ethnic lines.

“There are people who do not believe in the unity of Kenya, they believe in one side against the other. We want to support you to make sure every part of Kenya feels included,” he said.

On infrastructure, Ruto said the government is building the 750km Isiolo-Mandera road to integrate the North Eastern region with the rest of the country.

He said the Sh100 billion project is jointly funded by the World Bank, the African Development Bank, Arab banks, and the Government of Kenya. “Already, seven contractors are on site building the road,” the President said.