President William Ruto has issued a stern warning to leaders, emphasizing that Kenya has no place for tribal politics. Speaking at the Akorino National Conference in Nakuru on Sunday, Ruto reiterated that all elected leaders must focus on ensuring the unity of the country.
“I want to ask you leaders, all of who have leadership positions that please my friends and brothers, let us unite and work together, let us not divide Kenyans, let us work together for the unity of this nation,” Ruto said.
The President fired a warning to political leaders that the journey he started with his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta to unite Kenyans in 2013 remains on course.
“I came here with Mheshimiwa Uhuru Kenyatta in 2013 when this country had a great challenge and told you that we wanted to do away with the demons of tribalism from Kenyan politics,” President Ruto said.
“You the people of Nakuru were at the frontline and stood firm, I thank you. Because Nakuru stood firm, Kenya was stable as we did away with politics of ethnicity, tribalism and divisions.”
Emphasising the road Kenya has walked in its fight against tribal politics, the President said the foundation he laid with Uhuru in 2013 will not be compromised.
“I want to assure you as president that kind of politics will not creep back into the country again,” Ruto said.
“‘No matter what, that kind of politics will not come back again because we know the price, challenges and the cost of mobilising people based on tribalism.”
The President warned that Kenya is on the world map because of the progress it has made in creating harmony and securing economic gains.
“‘Kenya is a respected nation in the world; South Sudan, DRC and Sudan are looking up to Kenya to help them, and even in Haiti may next week or the other week, we shall send our police to keep peace in that country,” the president said.
Lately, divisions within the Kenya Kwanza administration have become more pronounced, with certain leaders resorting to tribal rhetoric in their campaigns. These internal disagreements pose a significant challenge to the Kenya Kwanza administration, particularly amid growing concerns about a perceived distancing between Ruto and Gachagua.