President William Ruto addresses residents of Kibera at DC Grounds on Thursday, March 12, 2025.President William Ruto has called on all leaders across the country to set aside personal political interests and help him in uniting the country.
The President urged the leaders to take after ODM leader Raila Odinga, who on Friday last week signed a working framework with the Kenya Kwanza administration aimed at the country to a better future.
"It is my duty to work with all leaders. The Right Honourable Raila Odinga is the foremost patriot who has shown that Kenya’s progress is paramount. I urge all leaders to step forward, vacate their political interests, and unite with us in taking Kenya forward," Ruto said.
The Head of State made the rallying call on X as he toured Lang'ata Constituency on the fourth day of his development tour of Nairobi city.
"In Kibra Constituency, addressed the people and traders of Ayany, Olympic Kibera Stage, and Makina. I also opened Kibra Technical and Vocational College, and inspected classrooms construction at Ayany Primary and Junior School where I committed to build 10 more new classrooms," Ruto said.
"We have put more than Sh500 million in the modernisation of the Toi Market to make it safer and conducive for traders to operate from," the President added while speaking at DC Grounds in Kibra Constituency.
"United, we will work harder and ensure that we change Kenya," he declared.
On Friday last week, Ruto and Raila signed a pact at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi and outlined a 10-point agenda aimed at fostering national unity and addressing long-standing governance challenges.
The pact signaled a shift in Kenya's political landscape, particularly considering the bitter rivalry that has existed between the two leaders for years.
The document, described as a blend of constitutional amendments and existing legal provisions, seeks to among others implement the recommendations of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report.
Key recommendations of the report include the creation of the Office of the Official Opposition Leader and the reinstatement of the Prime Minister’s position, offices that Raila has held during previous governments.
But despite the apparent goodwill of Ruto and Raila to put aside their political differences and agree to work together for the good of the country, the new development has been met with skepticism from a section of leaders, including some from Raila's backyard.
On Sunday, Raila encountered hostile reception at the Gusii Stadium, where he had graced the unveiling of new kits for the local Shabana FC.
Young men heckled and booed when the former Prime Minister stood to deliver his speech as the guest of honour, while others opted to walk out.
Political pundits and a section of residents interviewed in different fora attributed the hostility to the ODM-UDA pact, with some Kisii residents saying they felt betrayed by Raila for abandoning the agitation of citizen rights to work with government.
