The President also dismissed criticism that their agreement, signed last Friday, was a prelude to a power-sharing deal ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking to residents of Eastleigh during his tour of the Kamukunji Constituency on Monday, Ruto reiterated his commitment to national unity by decisively addressing tribalism.
“Last Friday, I signed an agreement with Honorable Raila Odinga, and we agreed to eliminate exclusion while promoting inclusivity and equity,” Ruto said.
“We have agreed to work together because unity will accelerate development in our country.”
This was the first time Ruto publicly addressed the agreement, which has sparked mixed reactions across the political spectrum.
While some critics argue that the deal is a strategic move to secure political support for Ruto’s re-election in 2027, others have praised it as a bold step toward national cohesion.
On Monday, the President emphasized that Kenyans share a common destiny and must unite across tribal lines for the sake of development.
“I assure you that under this agreement, no region, religion, or tribe will be left behind,” he said.
Last Friday, Ruto and Raila signed a landmark political pact centered on a 10-point agenda aimed at fostering national unity and addressing long-standing governance challenges.
The agreement, following years of political rivalry, seeks to implement key recommendations from the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report.
They include the creation of the Office of the Official Opposition Leader and the reinstatement of the Prime Minister’s position.
The report advocates for inclusivity, good governance, and
the protection of devolution, among other reforms.
Described as a blend of constitutional amendments and the enforcement of existing provisions, the pact marks a significant shift in Kenya’s political landscape.
The pact underscores the importance of inclusivity, a principle enshrined in Article 27 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality and freedom from discrimination.
Despite being
embedded in the 2010 Constitution, inclusivity has been inconsistently applied,
leaving marginalized groups underserved.
Additionally, the agreement seeks to address the financial struggles of county governments, which have long accused the national government of limiting their autonomy.
Article 17 of the Constitution outlines the objectives of devolution, including equitable resource allocation and service delivery.
However, inadequate funding has hindered the effectiveness of devolved units.
