Ruto regrets 'bad politics' of first two years, promises better future

President William Ruto, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Western leaders during service at Ekambuli Church of God, Khwisero, in Kakamega county on November 10, 2024. [PCS]

President William Ruto has committed to improve his administration’s delivery on election promises in the next three years, stating that his government had moved past politics of backstabbing, blackmail, arrogance, and infighting.

Speaking at a Sunday service in Ekambuli Church of God in Khwisero, Kakamega County, Ruto indirectly referred to his recently impeached Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, as he highlighted an end to “chest-thumping” and the influence of regional kingpins.

“We have dealt with the economic issues over the last two years, and the economy is now on track—inflation has dropped. We’ve eliminated the politics of chest-thumping, infighting, and power struggles over political heavyweight status. I assure Kenyans that the remaining years will be focused purely on development,” Ruto said.

At the swearing-in of new Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on November 1, Ruto mentioned feeling isolated in his efforts to advance his administration’s agenda over the past two years.

Describing a “broad-based government” as the solution to earlier challenges, he expressed optimism about a unified approach to governance and development across key sectors.

“We are united as Kenyans and committed to development. Kenyans will start seeing changes in infrastructure, agriculture, health, and education,” Ruto noted.

Ruto also stated that Kenyans elect leaders based on their performance, urging leaders to focus on delivering results instead of engaging in regional or factional rivalries.

“Kenyans will decide who to elect based on track records. We do not want politics of infighting or regional coalitions. Leaders should focus on serving the people, and Kenyans will reward performance and reject complacency,” Ruto said.

The President defended the new Social Health Authority (SHA) and encouraged leaders to promote the registration for comprehensive medical services.

“For the first time in Kenya, we have an insurance scheme that caters to all Kenyans, not just a few. I urge leaders to unite with me in educating people on the importance of registering for SHA,” said Ruto.

He explained that the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) faced significant challenges, with his administration currently working to clear a Sh30 billion debt.

“That is why I urge Kenyans to register, so we can plan for drugs, personnel, and equipment in our healthcare facilities. Let us stop complaining and take action by registering,” he added.

Ruto said 14 million Kenyans are currently enrolled in the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and that he would collaborate with governors to ensure community health promoters assist with grassroots registration efforts.

In education, Ruto noted his administration’s policies to support access to university education, especially for needy students.

The service was attended by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli, Nairobi Governor Johnstone Sakaja, Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka, Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Mulongo, and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale.

In reference to Gachagua’s impeachment, Mudavadi praised Parliament for “upholding its role”.

“I appeal to leaders to respect the constitution and stop using blackmail in politics,” Mudavadi said.

He added: “I thank the President for showing he was elected by all Kenyans and for working to unite the country. The President is the one leading the nation,” Mudavadi stated.