President William Ruto Saturday asked leaders to end divisive and tribal politics and embrace unity among Kenyans.
Ruto pointed out that divisive politics is to blame for underdevelopment in some parts of the country.
He regretted that Kenya’s progress has been undermined by divisive politics, hindering national unity efforts.
Speaking during the funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s aide in Siaya County, Ruto, therefore, called for a stop to the politics of division and ethnicity.
He praised Odinga for his bold move to work with him under the broad-based government, saying it was for the unity and prosperity of the country.
“In the same way I stood with you when you needed a man, you have equally stood with me when I needed a man to stand with me,” the President said.
He said Odinga resolved to set aside his own interests to work with him for the greater good of the country.
“We must get rid of politics of division and negative ethnicity. It’s possible for us to have a nation that can benefit all of us,” he said.
He asked leaders to borrow a leaf from the former Prime Minister and put the interest of Kenyans first before their own.
He also took the opportunity to enumerate the achievements of the government in infrastructure, energy and agriculture, saying they have improved the country’s economy.
Ruto singled out the stabilisation of the Kenya shilling and reduction of inflation as indicators that the economy has now improved.
For the first time in Kenya’s history, the President said electricity was now being connected to every part of the country.
“We are connecting every part of the country with electricity. Before, it was the preserve of the rich at the expense of vulnerable Kenyans,” Ruto explained.
He said Siaya County has been allocated Sh1.2 billion to connect 15,000 new households. He also explained that KSh60 billion will be spent in improving roads across the country.
Ruto described the late George Oduor as competent, a confidant with great integrity, loyal and a patriot.
On his part, Odinga urged Kenyans to desist from tribal politics and embrace unity.
“There is no need for us to promote tribal politics that can undermine the unity of our country,” he said.
He cautioned MPs against undermining devolution, saying it has transformed lives in rural areas.
National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed praised the recent agreement between Ruto and Mr Odinga, saying it would accelerate development across the country.
“The recent agreement between UDA and ODM was for the unity and development of this country, ” Junet pointed out.
COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga told leaders to keep politics out of schools.
Speaker after speaker eulogised the late Oduor as a great man who demonstrated loyalty to his boss at all times.
Odinga said the late Oduor was extremely observant and intelligent.
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