Ruto calls for unity, urges Kenyans to end divisive politics

President William Ruto has urged Kenyans to unite, saying the country needs all its people to develop.

Speaking in Suba, Homa Bay County during a thanksgiving ceremony for National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, the President said every Kenyan has a role to play in nation-building.

"Unity is the only way to redeem our nation. In unity, everybody becomes a winner.  We must stand together as the people of this great nation," he said.

He pointed out that politics based on ethnicity had no room in modern Kenya.

He stressed that a strong and progressive nation is determined by citizens working together.

He emphasised the need to abandon retrogressive politics because it stifles the country’s progress.

"We are now all better off with the newly appointed broad-based Cabinet that sets Kenya for a take-off," he said.

The President went on: "Let's discourage divisive politics of one region versus another, politics of who is in which political parties or from which ethnic backgrounds."

In addition, President Ruto said nation-building requires the energies of all Kenyans, noting that disunity retards the prosperity of the country.

He assured Kenyans that all leaders were working together to support former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's bid for the position of AU Commission chairperson.

"We are seeking support from other African countries to have our brother Raila Odinga elected chairperson of the AU Commission," he said.

On the new Cabinet, President Ruto asked CSs to serve Kenyans with dedication and commitment and address the challenges facing the country.

 The President said he is confident that Mr Mbadi will unite the staff at the National Treasury and together they will find innovative ways of improving Kenya's economy.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said President Ruto reconstituted the Cabinet to unite the country.

"President Ruto's move to reconstitute the Cabinet is part of his efforts to bring all Kenyans together to achieve shared and inclusive prosperity," he said.

Mr Mbadi said the appointment to the Cabinet as CS for the National Treasury was a dream come true.

He thanked President Ruto for the opportunity to serve Kenyans, saying he would not let him down.

"I will advise you well on matters of finance. I will work diligently and with loyalty in serving the people of Kenya," he said.

National  Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wa told leaders to stop dividing Kenyans on ethnic lines.

 He said it was wrong for leaders to propagate politics based on tribalism.

 "As Kenyans, we should not allow some leaders to divide us based on ethnicity," Mr Ichung'wa said.

 He assured all Kenyans that the Mt Kenya was firmly behind the leadership of President Ruto.

 National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed told off Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka over claims that he would appoint himself taking the Leader of the Opposition.

 He said the Constitution was clear on who the leader of the opposition is.

 "I am the official opposition leader because I am the Minority Leader and you cannot take away the job God has given me. Those in the opposition should know I am their leader,” Mohammed said.

 Present were Cabinet Secretaries Soipan Tuya (Defense), Rebecca Miano (Tourism), Eric Mugaa (Water), Alice Wahome (Lands and Housing), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), Aden Duale (Environment) and Hassan Joho (Mining).

 Others were Governors Gladys Wanga of Homa Bay, Chelilim Bii (Uasin Gishu), James Orengo (Siaya), Irungu Kang'ata (Muranga), Ochillo Ayacko (Migori), Simba Arati (Kisii), Abdulsalman Nassir (Mombasa) and Paul Otuoma (Busia).

 Earlier, while commissioning the Oyugis Water Project, President Ruto said Homa Bay is a fast-growing county and requires a reliable water supply of 120 million litres daily.

 He noted that the ongoing Kendu Bay, Oyugis and West Karachuonyo water projects will help end the shortages and provide more than 11,000 households in the county with water.

 The President also inspected the construction of the Homa Bay Town Market and addressed wananchi and traders.

 He pointed out that the government will make investments that will create jobs for those at the bottom of the economic pyramid.

 He said fisherfolk in the region will be given the necessary equipment and be provided with skills and technology to enable them to venture into deep-sea fishing.