Ruto: I need your prayers to appoint new cabinet

President William Ruto has turned to the church for prayers to help him form a cabinet.

With the president expected to name a new cabinet, he called on the church to keep him in prayer that he makes the right choices while appointing the new cabinet secretaries. 

“I have opened a new chapter. I will carefully select the next team, but I need your prayers, on that. I need a team that will help me deliver my promises and transform our country,” said Ruto.

Ruto sought the approval of the congregants on his intended formation of another government, which he has hinted at, including other political factions and stakeholders.

“Nyandarua people, are we together as I walk this path of forming a broad base government that will unite the entire country?” the President posed as the congregation affirmed their support.

Following his recent decision to send the entire cabinet home and refer the Finance Bill back to Parliament due to protests, the President said he was firmly on the wheel.

“I am very steady. And I shall lead Kenya towards the transformation we desire. Things are not always easy in the labour ward, but when a child is born, they bring a lot of joy,” said Ruto. 

President Ruto said this when he attended a church service at Ndogino AIPCA Church in Ndaragwa, Nyandarua County, with his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua. 

He further noted that his intentions with the controversial Finance Bill were to rescue the country from over-dependence on external debt that almost saw the economy collapse.

“We need to grow our economy and stop borrowing. That is why I have appointed a task force that will audit our debt and give recommendations on keeping Kenya stable, steady, and prosperous in a way that carries the aspirations of the people of Kenya,” he said.

With the youth lamenting over high levels of unemployment, the president said that his administration intends to create more opportunities through housing and manufacturing.

“We cannot continue allowing importation of goods that can be produced locally. That is what denies our people jobs. That is why we have higher duty on certain imports,” said Ruto.

On development, Ruto said he had plans for infrastructural upgrade but was thrown off balance by the anti-finance protests that saw him refer the bill back to Parliament.

“I had very elaborate plans for our roads, but someone set a trap for me, but it is okay. I will redo the test on the Finance Bill and see what we can do about them,” said Ruto.

On the ban on participation of public officers in fundraisers, the President said that the proposed law is good to ensure corruption is not perpetuated in churches.

“There are people who have pushed us on matters of fundraisers. We ask how the churches will be built. However, the good thing about it is that the proposed law will be brought to you for public participation,” said Ruto.

However, the president announced that he would make a personal contribution towards the completion of the Ndogino AIPCA church.

“I can see that this church is at an advanced stage. Area MP and the church leadership, sit down and give me a budget on what is needed, and I will write you a cheque,” said Ruto.

The president announced a renewed fight against drugs and alcohol abuse, saying that the recent police changes are meant to strengthen the fight.

He cited the Kenyan coast as the main entry point of drugs into the country and that he had made changes to the officers charged with monitoring such activities.

“Illicit brews and drugs will not have space in our country. I have made changes in the police service. We shall not spare any officer found abetting drug dealing at the expense of our children,” said Ruto.

The President read the riot act to the provincial administration, saying they must actively participate in the fight.

“From the chiefs to the regional commissioners, you must be on high alert. The counties must also ensure they have laws that regulate the number of bars in an area and hours of operation,” said Ruto.

His deputy Gachagua said he fully supports Ruto in firing the Cabinet, describing him as a hardworking man who needs a competent team to deliver on his mandate.

“You are a hardworking man, and without a strong team that assists you, you will go through many challenges. You now have a chance to get people who will help you and respect the electorate,” said Gachagua.

Gachagua emphasised the fight against illicit brews, saying progress was being registered.

“You gave me that job, and we have made strides. One month ago, a decision seems to have been made without my knowledge and your knowledge. The companies that were making the brews have been licensed again. As President, don’t allow us to lose this war,” said Gachagua.

Gachagua warned politicians in the region against collaborating with those supplying the brews, saying they would lose their seats.

“As Mt Kenya leader, I shall soon report on the leaders who are part of this mess. Those in it, when it comes to the next polls, you will go home early morning,” said Gachagua.