President William Ruto has called upon leaders to conduct themselves with decorum and avoid utterances with the potential of distabilising the country.
The president, in an apparent swipe at his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta over the latter’s sentiments about the 2022 elections, said leaders must lead by example and mentor other upcoming ones.
“Let us be responsible. You cannot start speaking things that will cause us problems. Elections were concluded four years ago…let us have decorum and know that there are many others looking up to us. Let us mentor other leaders and citizens by behaving responsibly ourselves,” Ruto said.
He spoke in Taita Taveta where he had joined locals for a church service.
Ruto was away in the United States for the 81st UNGA conference when President Kenyatta stirred the hornets’ nest with claims the 2022 elections were rigged.
The former President asserted that he believes Raila Odinga (deceased) won the vote. The two were working together against Ruto in the said election.
The sentiments drew sharp reactions, especially from among the President’s allies who questioned their timing.
President Ruto and Uhuru are are arguably locked in a fresh round of contest in next year’s election.
Uhuru has been touted as not only rooting for, but also funding, the opposition in what is evolving partly as a rematch with his successor.
For President Ruto, the country should focus on the future, renewing his call for national unity.
The President assured Kenyans that all parts of the country are included in his administration’s transformation agenda.
The President said his administration would continue pursuing development across the country regardless of political or ethnic differences.
He said Kenya could only achieve meaningful progress when its people worked together.
“When the people are united, God’s blessings come upon them,” Ruto said at Pentecostal Church in Mwatate, Taita Taveta county.
He said his resolve to unite the country informed the creation of the broad-based government which brought in his rivals from the opposition.
“That is why when we got an opportunity to have a united front we went ahead and formed the broad-based government,” he said.
Ruto also fired at his critics, insisting that his administration was focused on delivering on the promises it made to Kenyans, adding he should be judged by what his government ultimately delivers.
He at the same time challenged his critics to stop reminding him about projects and promises they claim have not been fulfilled and instead explain to Kenyans what they have done for the country.
The Head of State said he was the one who made the promises to Kenyans and therefore remained responsible for ensuring they were fulfilled.
He questioned why his opponents were spending their time highlighting unfinished projects instead of presenting their own record and alternative plans to the electorate.
“You are not my supervisor; I am the one who made the promises, and I know how I will fulfil them. Don’t behave like my supervisor telling me what I have not done; instead tell us what you have done yourself,” the President stated.
The President has in recent weeks intensified his defence of his record as he tours different parts of the country, with development and delivery increasingly taking centre stage in his political messaging.
Ruto has maintained that his government has made progress in sectors including infrastructure, education, healthcare and agriculture, while promising to complete projects and programmes that remain underway.
Ruto also assured the country that no community, county or region would be sidelined under the broad-based government, which he has presented as a vehicle for inclusive development.
“Every corner of the country will be part of our transformation agenda. No region will lag behind as other parts of the country move ahead,” he stated.
The President also lashed out at some leaders in Taita Taveta who he said had questioned government projects, including the construction of a stadium.
“I am seeing some leaders from this region opposing development because they are not used to it. Some are even questioning the importance of a stadium because they have not seen such a thing,” the President said.
He was accompanied by Governor Andrew Mwadime and Wundanyi MP Peter Shake among other local leaders.
Ruto is on an extensive development tour across Taita Taveta, Kwale, Kilifi, Mombasa, Tana River and Lamu counties.
On Saturday, the President launched a number of roads, inspected the Mto Mwagodi–Wundanyi road, and addressed constituents as part of an ongoing eight-day tour of the wider Coast region.
The programme also includes inspection and launch of development projects, issuance of title deeds and engagements with local leaders and residents.
The President is also scheduled to oversee the groundbreaking of the proposed East Africa Refinery in Lamu.
