President William Ruto has defended his unity with ODM leader Raila Odinga,
dismissing critics who label it a ‘betrayal’ and insisting he is unapologetic.
At a church service in
Narok on Sunday, Ruto rejected accusations that the newfound alliance with his
2022 political rival constituted a betrayal of Kenyans.
Instead, he portrayed the
partnership as a decisive step towards healing the country’s long-standing
political divisions and delivering development to all Kenyans.
“Those who do not know God
are telling us that unity is betrayal, how sad and shameful,” the President
stated.
“Those who want to preach
to us that unity is betrayal let them read the bible. We are unapologetic, we
are unashamed of uniting the nation of Kenya.”
Ruto also reiterated his
commitment to supporting churches, asserting that he will not be deterred by
critics.
His large-scale donations
to churches have previously drawn criticism from the political class and civil
society, who accused the President of allocating millions to churches instead
of addressing the pressing needs of Kenyans.
Speaking during a church
service at Ntulele, Narok county, the President affirmed that he will continue
his support for the church.
“We will not be
intimidated in pursuit of the work of God in our country,” Ruto said as he
donated Sh10 million for the building of the church’s plaza.
The head of state also urged Kenyans to register
for the Social Health Authority, highlighting that the new model will ensure
all Kenyans have access to quality medical care.
“On a daily basis, 145,000 Kenyans register for
SHA and I don’t want any Kenyan to remain behind. Never again shall families be
burdened by high medical cost forcing them to organize endless harambee,”
Ruto emphasised.
The President further announced his intention to
engage with Members of Parliament to have the Roads Levy Fund managed by the
national government, enabling more Kenyans to benefit.
The fund is currently subject to legal disputes
between MPs and governors.
Ruto was accompanied by host governor Patrick
Ole Ntutu, his Kajiado counterpart Joseph Ole Lenku, Defence CS Soipan Tuya and
numerous MPs and MCAs.
The President is scheduled to visit all the Maa
counties from May 6 to 8, for a development tour.
The leaders expressed their unwavering support
for Ruto’s 2027 re-election, praising his administration’s focus on
infrastructure, education and land reforms in traditionally marginalised areas.
Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina, previously a
vocal critic of the government, said the region is ready for a broad-based
government, asserting that the entire 1.4 million votes from the region will go
to Ruto in 2027.
“I want to assure you that not a single Maasai
vote will go elsewhere; our vote will go to William Ruto and Raila Odinga in
2027,” the senator affirmed.
“Mr President, we want to assure you that you
will serve for ten years. No President has served a single term in this country
and you will not be an exception,” added Governor Ntutu.
Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo welcomed the
President’s efforts to unite the country and pledged to ensure that all regions
receive an equitable share of public resources.
“Even in the process of bringing people
together, there must be a sense of equity for all,” Tongoyo said.
EALA MP David Sankok lauded the broad-based
government, stating that it is the only arrangement that has cooled political
tensions.
“Mr President, I want to thank you for bringing
Raila into your government. Raila is the king of peace,” Sankok said.
Kajiado East MP Peris Tobiko stated that the
region will rally behind the President unanimously in 2027, noting that the
area was divided between Ruto and Raila in the last elections.
“Now that out of your own will, you have brought
Raila to your government, be assured that the whole Maa community will rally
behind you in 2027 because the region was split between the two of you," Tobiko
noted.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
Ruto’s move to court the
Maa community is perceived as a strategy to counter his former deputy, Rigathi
Gachagua, who has recently intensified his presence in the region. The former
Mathira MP, who is expected to unveil his new political vehicle next month, has
pledged to have the national chairman of the new outfit from the region. Ruto’s
initiative and the planned development tour are thus seen as an effort to
solidify his support in the area.
