President William Ruto has come out strongly in defense of the broad-based political arrangement between his administration and ODM leader Raila Odinga, dismissing critics of the alliance as agents of division and distraction.
“Wale watu wengine wa chuki na makasiriko… hatuna time na hawa. Kazi yao ni kugawanya Wakenya kwa misingi ya kikabila,” said President Ruto while addressing residents of Kibra.
Speaking during a Sunday service at AIC Church in Kibra Constituency, the Head of State castigated opposition leaders, including his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua, accusing them of engaging in early campaigns and divisive politics instead of supporting national development.
President Ruto said it was in the spirit of national unity and peaceful coexistence that he reached a deal with Raila Odinga, a move he says is aimed at creating a conducive environment for development and ending toxic political rivalry.
“Ndio namshukuru ndugu yangu Baba, Raila Amolo Odinga, kwa kukubali tuungane ili tuunganishe Wakenya wote,” said the President.
He emphasized that he remains focused on his development agenda and will not be distracted by political noise.
“Tumesema hatutaki siasa—tumesema ni kazi bila break,” he stated.
ODM leaders who accompanied President Ruto to Kibra, led by National Assembly Budget Committee Chair and Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi, reiterated the party’s support for the President and endorsed his leadership heading into the next electoral cycle.
“Sisi tumeamua—hata huko mwisho itakuwa kumi bila break,” said Anthony Oluoch, MP.
“Wale wako kwa chama yetu na wanajaribu kupinga serikali—tunawaambia wajue Baba akisema ni left, ni left,” added Atandi.
While addressing Kibra residents, President Ruto also announced the nearing completion of 4,600 affordable housing units in the area, promising to uplift the living standards of residents by replacing informal settlements with dignified homes.
“Nyinyi watu wa Kibra, tunataka tuwabadilishe kutoka kwa slum mkuwe estate. Na hii affordable housing ndio tutahakikisha mmepata nyumba za heshima,” he said.