Ruto, who earlier met grassroots leaders at the Kakamega State Lodge, promised to unite the country under the broad-based government as envisioned in his agreement with the late Raila Odinga.
As curtains fell on the three-day tour, the president kicked off his final engagements in Kakamega with a meeting of local leaders, unveiling a series of development projects worth Ksh.21 billion aimed at transforming the county’s infrastructure and economy.
“We want to make sure that Western Kenya is as good as the rest of other parts of the country. Sio lazima sehemu moja ikose ndio sehemu ingine ipate. No, we can all have it ndio tupange vizuri,” said President Ruto.
The head of state reiterated his commitment to continuing the unity journey he began with the late Raila Odinga, emphasizing the need to end divisive politics.
“Na mimi nakuja huku sababu tulikubaliana na Raila Odinga, Mungu ailaze roho yake. Tulisema siasa ya zamani tumalize na ile ya chuki tuzike kabisa, tuunganishe taifa letu ili watu wote wasimame pamoja ili tupange vile tutatembea pamoja,” said Ruto.
Leaders allied to the broad-based government took the opportunity to chide opposition figures, accusing them of fueling disunity instead of focusing on development.
“Let’s be the agents of change, change our psyche, change our talk, change our mind. Kama jamii na region tupunguze toxic politics na siasa ya kutukanana. We are all one big family of this region,” said National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula.
“Mheshimiwa Rais, yule kiongozi wetu alituacha hapa, na vile alituacha tutakuwa hapa hapa. Kitu mjue sisi tuko chini ya President William Ruto,” said Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya.
Among the major projects unveiled in the region include Ksh.14 billion towards affordable housing, construction of a Ksh.2.5 billion modern market, and the upgrading of Kakamega Airport.
Later, President Ruto toured Vihiga County, where he launched several road projects.
“Rais, tunashukuru sana. Mambo ya Shaviringa na Shiru imekuwa approved na cabinet sasa,” said Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
“Sisi tunakuunga mkono. Mambo na barabara umefanya vizuri sana sababu umetilia mkazo maendeleo, maji na ata upande wa afya pia,” added Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa.
