President William Ruto emphasized his commitment to uniting the country and resisting any attempts to divide Kenyans along ethnic, regional, or sectarian lines. Speaking during a service at the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), Ruto reaffirmed his resolve to foster unity and inclusivity, promising that any forces attempting to sow discord would “fail miserably.”
Commitment to Unity and Inclusivity
President Ruto underscored the importance of unity as a foundational principle of the Kenyan nation. He vowed to work with all leaders and citizens without discrimination, aligning his administration’s efforts with the spirit of the Kenyan Constitution. “I also promise that I will work for all the people of Kenya, without discrimination, without exclusion because that is what is demanded of government by the Constitution,” he stated.
Ruto’s remarks come at a time when the country faces significant political and social challenges. He acknowledged the role of leadership in bridging divides and emphasized that it is both a constitutional and moral duty to serve all Kenyans impartially. “I am perfectly aware it is the will of God to work with the people of Kenya in their entirety and their unity,” Ruto noted, positioning his administration as one committed to embracing all communities and regions.
A Nation United Under God
Drawing on Kenya’s strong religious foundations, President Ruto reiterated his belief that the country’s unity is anchored in its collective faith in God. “Those who want to preach to us sectarian, ethnic, parochial, regional politics will not succeed in this country because this country is a country that trusts in God and all of us are children of the same God,” he said.
Ruto’s message was clear: Kenya’s strength lies in its diversity and shared values. He called on all leaders and citizens to reject divisive politics and instead focus on building a cohesive society where every individual has an equal stake in the nation’s future. By invoking religious unity, Ruto sought to appeal to the broad swathes of Kenyans who identify strongly with their faith, positioning his message within a familiar and respected framework.
Working Across Political Lines
In his address, President Ruto made a direct appeal to political leaders from across the spectrum, urging them to prioritize national unity over partisan interests. He stressed that the government’s role is to serve all Kenyans, regardless of political affiliation or regional background. “I want to encourage and promise us, as Kenyans, that those who want to divide us will fail and they will fail miserably,” he asserted, reinforcing his stance against divisiveness.
Ruto’s speech also included a commitment to reaching out and working with leaders at all levels of government, including county governors, members of parliament, and local officials. His call for collaboration highlighted his administration’s intent to promote a cohesive approach to governance, where all leaders play a role in fostering national unity.
A Call for Collective Action
The President’s remarks were met with support from local leaders present at the event, including Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka. Ruto’s pledge to ensure no part of Kenya is left behind resonated with many in attendance, reflecting the public’s desire for a leadership that embraces all communities.
As Ruto continues to navigate the complex political landscape, his commitment to unity and inclusivity will be critical in shaping Kenya’s path forward. By positioning his administration as one that upholds the principles of the Constitution and the will of God, Ruto aims to rally the nation against divisive forces and steer Kenya towards a more united and prosperous future.
In concluding his address, Ruto promised, “I will go out of my way, I will do whatever it takes to make sure that this country is united and that no part of Kenya is left behind as we march into the future as a people.” His words serve as a reminder of the ongoing efforts required to sustain national cohesion and the importance of collective action in achieving this goal.