A group of Kenyan leaders lauded President William Ruto for his leadership and policy decisions, attributing the country’s current stability to his decisive governance style. This unity among political leaders emerged during a church service at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Moiben, Uasin Gishu County, on Sunday, where members of Parliament, senators, and other leaders gathered in support of the President’s approach to national issues.
The Pursuit of National Unity
Migori Senator Edwin Oketch, one of the leading voices from the opposition who spoke at the event, commended President Ruto for his efforts to build a cohesive and unified Kenya. Oketch noted that nation-building is an arduous journey, underscoring that infrastructure alone does not secure a country’s future if peace and unity are lacking. He said, “Learning from traveling to different communities and outside this country, I have realized that it is very difficult to build a nation… but if there is no peace, all that can crumble down.”
Oketch highlighted the importance of a broad-based government that includes various political parties and factions. Such an approach, he argued, ensures the representation of different perspectives and fosters stability—a crucial foundation for development. He emphasized that this model of governance is instrumental in steering the country towards a prosperous future. Reflecting on his travels, Oketch expressed his belief in the value of unity, adding that Kenya’s forefathers would take pride in seeing their nation stand strong and united.
Building a Legacy of Peace
Oketch urged President Ruto to continue prioritizing national unity, suggesting that peace, even more than economic achievements, would fortify Kenya’s future. “I can assure you, President Ruto, that even if you don’t build roads or the economy for our country, but you leave us with a united country, this country will stand stronger than any economy in the world,” he asserted.
The senator’s endorsement of the President’s broad-based government echoed sentiments from several other leaders, many of whom expressed optimism about the administration’s commitment to unity. Oketch also assured President Ruto of the support of his party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), indicating a readiness to collaborate on shared goals.
Support from Across the Aisle
Another prominent voice of support came from Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, who applauded the President’s efforts to work closely with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Kaluma praised Ruto’s decision to support Raila’s candidacy for the African Union Commission chairmanship, expressing confidence in Ruto’s ability to rally support behind Raila on the international stage.
“Let me thank you very much for supporting our party leader Raila Odinga to be the African Union Commission chairman,” Kaluma said. “We have never known you to fail in anything.” His words highlighted the potential of this collaboration to not only strengthen Kenya’s influence in the African Union but also cement the bipartisan unity necessary for effective governance.
Unwavering Support from the Mt. Kenya Region
Kiambaa MP John Kawanjiku was among the leaders from the Mt. Kenya region who reaffirmed their unwavering support for President Ruto. Dismissing claims that the region’s leaders might change course, Kawanjiku emphasized the voluntary nature of Central Kenya’s endorsement of the President. “If the likes of Kaluma are in government, who are we to say we want to leave and be out in the forest?” he posed rhetorically, underscoring the solidarity of Central Kenya’s leadership.
Kawanjiku also spoke about the commitment of the region to back Ruto’s agenda, affirming that they were not swayed by any political rhetoric intended to divide their support. His statement reinforced the theme of unity emerging from the gathering, with leaders from across the country rallying around the President.
A Warning to Underperforming Officials
Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku reiterated the importance of dedicated public service and warned against complacency among those holding government positions. Ruku urged government officials to be fully committed to the President’s development vision, cautioning that those who failed to meet the required standards could face dismissal. “For those who are in government and may be doubting the capability of the President to make difficult decisions, you better work very hard, failure to which an axe will fall on you,” he stated.
Ruku’s comments served as a reminder to public servants of the President’s resolve to foster accountability and performance within his administration. He encouraged leaders to seize the opportunity to do what is right for Kenyans, reinforcing that President Ruto’s determination to improve the country’s future is non-negotiable.
Health Sector Reforms: Transition to Social Health Authority
One of the major policy shifts acknowledged during the gathering was the administration’s recent transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA). Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wesley Rotich and Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago lauded the President for implementing the SHA, which they say provides enhanced and accessible healthcare services.
Rotich clarified that despite initial challenges during the rollout, SHA was already proving beneficial to Kenyans. He cited its ability to provide immediate coverage upon registration, unlike NHIF, which required a waiting period before coverage activation. “The most beautiful thing about SHA is that you can register today and be treated on the spot,” Rotich explained, adding that SHA includes provisions for chronic diseases like cancer, which were previously unavailable.
Mandago echoed these sentiments, noting that SHA offers more comprehensive coverage than NHIF, which often covered only basic hospital bed fees. According to Mandago, the SHA plan allows patients to undergo all necessary medical checks and receive treatment with minimal out-of-pocket expenses. He urged Kenyans to embrace the new system and trust that any initial obstacles would soon be resolved.
Patience and Long-term Vision
Acknowledging the challenges faced during the SHA’s launch, Mandago appealed to Kenyans for patience as the government worked to address these “teething problems.” He assured the public that the Senate was actively involved in ensuring a smooth transition and the successful implementation of SHA. “As Senate, Your Excellency, we assure you that we are doing our best to ensure that what needs to be done to ensure SHA takes off swiftly without any more hitches,” Mandago said.
The leaders’ remarks reflect a shared vision of making healthcare more accessible and efficient, and SHA is seen as a crucial step toward achieving this goal. Both Rotich and Mandago urged citizens to register with SHA, pointing out that the new scheme’s extensive coverage would prove invaluable for families in times of medical need.
A Call for Optimism
Governor Rotich encouraged Kenyans to resist negative perceptions surrounding the new health scheme and instead consider its potential to alleviate the financial burden of healthcare. “Don’t listen to all this negativity and propaganda,” he advised. “The day you fall sick, it will be just you and your family. Register with SHA today.”
Mandago further called on the public to view SHA as part of the President’s long-term commitment to a healthier, more equitable Kenya. His remarks underscored the government’s belief in SHA as a model for other African nations seeking to improve healthcare access and affordability.
Conclusion
The show of unity and support for President Ruto from leaders across the political divide reflects an unusual level of national solidarity. The transition to a broad-based government and the policy shift from NHIF to SHA signal a commitment to both inclusivity and social welfare, demonstrating that unity is essential for sustainable development. As the country navigates these changes, leaders hope that the President’s unifying message will resonate with all Kenyans, reminding them that a united nation is indeed stronger than any economy or infrastructure.
