Ruto takes indirect aim at Gachagua, keeps off impeachment debate

President William Ruto during Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kwale. [Kelvin Karani, Standard]

Despite the heated political climate surrounding the Deputy President’s post, President William Ruto steered clear of the topic during yesterday’s Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kwale.

However, in his first public address since the Senate impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for, among other things, making divisive remarks, Ruto spoke strongly against tribalism. Without directly naming the embattled DP, he issued a warning to those engaging in ethnic politics.

Ruto emphasised that any attempt to exclude, alienate, or disenfranchise any individual, group, or community was contrary to nationhood. He reiterated that Kenya is a united, indivisible, and sovereign nation.

In his address, Ruto said Kenyans have an inalienable right to a full, just, and fair share of the country’s resources.

The President was accompanied by Deputy President nominee Kithure Kindiki and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

Mudavadi pledged that the government would obey all court orders in line with the Constitution. In his speech, Mudavadi referred to Kindiki as the “Deputy President-elect.”

“Kenya will continue to be a democracy governed by the rule of law. We will obey all court orders,” said Mudavadi, as Kindiki sat in the position typically reserved for the Deputy President.

Notably absent were Chief Justice Martha Koome and opposition leaders, including ODM’s Raila Odinga, now an ally of President Ruto.

Ruto urged Kenyans to be as courageous as the first generation of freedom fighters, encouraging them to break from the past and not be held captive by fear of change.

“Our heroes did not come from one village or speak one language. They were numerous and diverse, united by a shared commitment to confront an unjust, exclusive, and oppressive system in pursuit of national liberation,” Ruto said.

He highlighted the unity of purpose that drove Mekatilili wa Menza and other champions from across Kenya to resist colonialism, and freedom fighters like Ronald Ngala, who advocated for independence and decentralised government, a form of devolution.

President William Ruto was accompanied by Deputy President nominee Kithure Kindiki and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

The President noted that in resisting colonialism, Mekatilili wa Menza did not seek to free her village or region alone but aimed to dismantle a system of exploitation and tyranny, knowing that defeating it would liberate the entire nation.

“This is the same spirit embraced by other freedom fighters such as Otenyo Nyamantere and Moraa Ng’iti from Kisii, Wanameme Masinde from Bungoma, Oigo Paul Angwech and Oyuko Phoebe Ambiyo from Kisumu, Igoki Teresia Kiambi from Meru, Kalondu Matheka Mbalu from Makueni, and many others,” he said.

Ruto urged that the key lesson for future generations is that every Kenyan is a full and equal member of the political community, entitled to contribute to nation-building and enjoy a fair share of the nation’s development benefits.

“Any formula seeking to exclude, alienate, or disenfranchise any person, group, or community for any reason is repugnant to the essence of our nationhood. We are one people, and Kenya is a united, indivisible, and sovereign nation,” he stressed.

The President underscored that freedom is the cornerstone of sustainable progress, and it is this freedom that has enabled Kenya to become a modern, competitive economy and a vibrant democracy.

“Our freedom has allowed us the space to grow and perfect our nationhood, evolving from the monopoly of the liberation movement into a dynamic, pluralistic society where competition makes us stronger,” he said.

Ruto added that the current struggle must focus on inclusive growth to achieve sustainable development, stressing the need to create wealth, reduce poverty and inequality, and protect the environment.

“The ushujaa of our era calls for urgent mobilisation to create wealth and jobs, reduce poverty and inequality, and protect the environment. The dedication we bring to these tasks will determine how well we uphold the legacy of Mekatilili wa Menza and other freedom fighters,” he emphasised.

The President acknowledged the anxiety felt by many Kenyans during the freedom struggle and noted the doubts about the freedom fighters’ ability to overcome the empire’s power.