President William Ruto has asked Kenyans to reject anyone who spreads hate and division in the country. The president expressed sadness that the current situation in Kenya comes from politics filled with hate, tribalism, and division.
“We would not be in this situation if religious and political leaders focused on bringing Kenyans together,” he said.
While speaking on Saturday at the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, President Ruto told leaders to prioritise unity and work together to solve the country’s problems.
He stressed the importance of moving away from divisive politics and instead uniting Kenyans for peace and development.
“Politics based on hate, tribalism, and division is at the root of our problems. As leaders, we should stop, think, and ask ourselves if we are acting in the right way,” he said.
He noted that some political leaders are encouraging young people to act against the law to serve their own interests.
“Some leaders are pushing the youth to create division and lawlessness. They do not respect the law, leading to the destruction of property,” he explained.
The president warned that the government will take strong action against leaders who use young people to cause chaos and disorder.
“Some leaders hide behind young people to try to gain political power. We will take action against them according to the law,” he said.
President Ruto assured the public that the government will strongly address those who attack police and security facilities, as well as those who destroy property.
He promised Kenyans peace and stability, saying the government will not let selfish leaders ruin Kenya.
“We have to protect public and private property. We say enough is enough for those who want to harm this country,” the President stated.
With elections coming every five years, he told his opponents that he is ready to face them when the time arrives.
He described his critics as people who do not have a plan for the country, saying they only succeed in encouraging young people to create chaos and divide Kenyans by their ethnic backgrounds.
“Kenyans will judge their leaders based on their contributions to development in the next general election. But now is the time to serve the people,” he said.
At the same time, President Ruto urged parents to teach their children good moral values that will help them build a better society.
He said parents need to reconsider their roles, pointing out that many have failed or neglected their responsibilities.
The president highlighted that it is crucial for parents to guide their children on what is right and wrong to help shape their character for responsible adulthood.
“The problem is that many parents do not tell their children what is good and bad,” he explained.
While visiting the Etio Dam in Kapteren, Keiyo North Constituency, in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, he expressed happiness that the project was completed on time.
“This project will change the lives of more than 8,000 households in Elgeyo-Marakwet County,” he said.
With a capacity of 160 million litres, the first phase of the Etio Dam will help irrigate over 2,500 acres of land.
The president noted that this project will increase the production of crops like passion fruits, avocados, cabbages, kales, and potatoes, leading to job creation and higher household incomes.
President Ruto also started the construction of the Tirwane-Tirone Irrigation Development Project in Keiyo South.
He stated that this important project will irrigate over 1,000 acres of land, benefiting more than 25,000 households in the area.
“It will improve our food security and create wealth by allowing the growth of high-value crops like pyrethrum, generating more than KSh650 million a year and helping our economy grow,” he said.
Additionally, President Ruto mentioned that the government is investing in modern technology for education and training so that young people can develop their digital skills for work and business.
“It is our pledge to create more opportunities for our youth because we recognise their importance in transforming our country,” he said.
He made these comments while opening the Simotwo High School Jitume Digital Hub in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen urged the Judiciary to take strong action against those involved in recent protests that led to the burning of police stations, looting of businesses, and destruction of property.
He said if the judiciary does not help the government to deal firmly with violent protesters and those who support them, the country might fall into chaos.
“They wanted to see if we would take legal action. We will arrest all criminals who attack people and burn property,” Mr Murkomen stated.
Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa mentioned that her ministry is working on related initiatives.
