Pointing out that Kenyans are seeking leaders who have a transformative agenda for the country, the President said they will put to shame those propagating hatred and division.
Addressing 6,500 Akorino faithful at State House Nairobi on Sunday, President Ruto emphasised the need for leaders to preach peace and unity.
“Those who want to divide Kenyans on tribal politics will not succeed. They will fail, and we will put them to shame,” he said.
He assured Kenyans that he will not relent in uniting the country for the sake of national cohesion, peace, stability and prosperity.
At the same time, President Ruto called for respect and tolerance among Kenyans irrespective of their political, religious or ethnic inclinations.
The President said it was wrong for a leader to criticize the leadership of the Akorino Church “simply because they have attended a Sunday service at the State House”.
“There are people who want to play broker so that they can decide who goes to State House. State House belongs to all Kenyans,” he pointed out.
He went on: “Calling people names and preaching tribalism is the greatest betrayal of citizens by any leadership.”
He told leaders to learn to respect colleagues and citizens, saying: “If you are not patient enough to be led, you are not made of the material to lead.”
The President commended the Akorino Church for addressing their challenges amicably, noting that their unity will now pave way for the construction of a theological college at a six-acre farm in Ruai, Nairobi, that President Ruto bought for the Church in 2016.
He challenged religious organisations to fully integrate Kenyans in commercial and industrial activities to create enough jobs for the unemployed.
The President thanked the Akorino Church, pointing out that it was a partner in provision of technical and business training as well as establishment of small and medium enterprises to benefit Kenyans.
“We will support the Akorino Church with Ksh.50 million to start sacco branches in an effort to uplift the lives of the faithful,” he said.
President Ruto also announced that 50 members of the church, who have trained as teachers, will be recruited.
Meanwhile, the President used the opportunity to enumerate government achievements in the past three years.
He pointed out that the economy is doing well, with inflation down at 4.3 per cent, the exchange rate stable at Ksh.129 for the past 18 months and foreign exchange reserves now standing at $14.6 billion from a low of $5.7 billion.
Additionally, he said more than 1.8 million Kenyans, who were not working in 2022, are now working in the Affordable Housing Programme, overseas employment, and digital jobs, among other sectors.
In education, the President said, the government has undertaken a major transformation, including building 23,000 new classrooms recruiting 100,000 teachers in the past three years and streamlining the financing of higher education.
On universal healthcare, the President said 30.5 million Kenyans have registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA) across the country.
He urged the Akorino faithful to help educate those who have not registered with SHA so that they can benefit.
In agriculture, the President noted that farmers have hugely gained from the provision of subsidised fertiliser at the lowest cost of Ksh.2,500.
The elimination of cartels in the coffee and sugar sectors, he pointed out, had led to the increase of farmers incomes, especially in the coffee and sugar sectors.
In the coffee sector, a kilo of cherry had gone up from an average of Ksh.60 in 2022 to between Ksh.110 and Ksh.160 now.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki told off leaders who have criticised the Akorino Church members for attending the State House service.
“Many churches have been to State House to meet the President. Why is it painful for someone when the Akorino faithful come to State House? We must respect one another,” Prof Kindiki said.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa called for the rejection of leaders who perpetuate tribal politics.
He told President Ruto not to relent in his efforts to unite Kenyans, saying the era of tribal politics is long gone.
“It’s a shame for someone to call the Akorino traitors for coming to State House to pray with the President,” Mr Ichung’wa said.
Kiambu and Laikipia Women Representatives Anne Wamuratha and Jane Kagiri told residents of Central Kenya to support President Ruto because of the work he is doing in the region and nationally.
“No one should threaten us because we don’t support his style of politics. We have a right to meet the President,” Ms Kagiri noted.
Several MPs also attended the Sunday service.
