President William Ruto has emphasized the need to transcend artificial national boundaries in pursuit of unity and shared prosperity in East Africa. Speaking at the Piny Luo Culture Festival in Siaya, Ruto highlighted the historical migration of the Luo people across Ethiopia, South Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This movement, he said, underscores the interconnectedness of communities that have historically crossed borders without being defined by them.
“While borders may separate nations, they should not separate people who share common cultures, histories, and aspirations,” Ruto stated, urging regional leaders to view national boundaries as opportunities rather than obstacles. He called for rethinking borders to foster trade, investment, and the free movement of goods and services, promoting a vision of a united and prosperous East Africa.
Ruto’s sentiments were echoed by ODM leader Raila Odinga, who criticized the legacy of colonial borders, describing them as artificial lines that disregard indigenous communities’ shared cultures and histories. “We have become slaves to these borders,” Raila said, pointing out how they have hindered cooperation among African nations. He further stressed the dynamic nature of culture and its potential to evolve and unify communities, urging East African countries to strengthen collaboration and reject borders as barriers.
Both leaders underscored the importance of cultural events like the Piny Luo Festival in showcasing the unity of people across borders. Raila described the festival as a non-political celebration of shared heritage, emphasizing that it served as a reminder of the need for African unity.
The leaders’ appeals for regional cooperation align with the goals of the East African Community (EAC), which has worked to enhance economic integration and the free movement of people, goods, and services. Ruto and Raila highlighted the EAC’s successes as a model for fostering regional partnerships that prioritize collective growth over division.
Their calls for unity come at a time when regional collaboration is increasingly vital for addressing shared challenges such as economic development, climate change, and security. By focusing on shared cultures and histories, Ruto and Raila envision an East Africa where unity and prosperity transcend colonial-era boundaries, creating a future grounded in cooperation and mutual respect.
This vision of an integrated region underscores the importance of rethinking borders, transforming them into bridges for economic and cultural exchange.
