The cake is big enough for all Kenyans, Ruto says

Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka, President William Ruto and Rt Rev Dr George Mechumo, Bishop Anglican Church of Kenya, Bungoma Diocese during the Sunday church service in Bungoma County on September 01, 2024. [PCS, Standard]

President William Ruto has told off critics of his broad-based government that the course upon which he has embarked is unstoppable and the national cake is big for all Kenyans.

Ruto who was speaking during a church service at St Chrispin ACK Church in Bungoma used a Biblical verse from the book of Mathew 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers," maintaining that those opposing his unity pact with Azimio leader Raila Odinga will fail miserably.

Ruto expressed gratitude for the change of attitudes and fresh energy experienced during his just concluded Nyanza tour noting that inclusion of the opposition in his government was necessary for the peace of the country.

"As a country, we are blessed with the words of Mathew 5:9 that blessed are the peacemakers and I am just from a trip in Nyanza and it is amazing what God can do. It is almost a miracle that three months ago, people who were on the extreme sides now speak as long-time sisters, brothers, and friends and that is the beauty of our country," said Ruto.

He said "I want to encourage and promise us as Kenyans that those who want to divide us will fail and they will fail miserably. Those who want to teach us sectarian, ethnic, regional politics will not succeed in this country because this country is a country that trusts in God.”

Ruto, however, went ahead to clear murmurs among his supporters about his newfound political relationship with Raila stating that they should not be worried about an inclusive government since the national cake is big enough for everyone.

"I promise that I will work for all the people of Kenya without discrimination or exclusion and I will go out of my way to, ensure this country is united and no part of this country is left behind as we move into the future and I know some people will ask questions what happen to us who voted overwhelmingly for this administration because many people are coming on board," said Ruto.

Ruto further welcomed development talks and positive criticism that is currently going on in the country.” It is healthy to engage on matters of development instead of majoring on ethnicity, tribalism, and other negativeness," he said.

National Assembly majority leader Kimani Ichungwa who was accompanying the president said some organisations and leaders planned chaos in the previous anti-government protests rallying ethnic politics to fight the unity of the broad-based government.

"There was a group of well-organized peaceful protesters but were joined by those funded to cause violence. We condemn such actions, and the truth of the matter is they shall not succeed. We want to urge our President not to allow any leader using ethnic politics to fight the unity cause thinking that one region can develop on its own and prevent any other region from getting development" said Ichungwa. 

Bungoma governor Kenneth Lusaka praised the president for his efforts to unite the country through the broad-based government and at the same time urged Kenyans and other leaders to embrace the idea of opposition leaders joining government.

"We are witnessing true leadership in President Ruto, who is not only focused on development but also on bringing Kenyans together," Governor Lusaka stated and added "It is necessary that this unity be upheld and if it takes including the opposition into the ruling government, we have to welcome the idea and work together," he added

Chairman of Western region parliamentary caucus Sirisia MP John Walukhe welcomed the President's move to work with Raila urging the Western region to borrow a leaf from the Nyanza who have embraced the broad-based government.

Other MPs in attendance were Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, Bungoma Senator Wakoli Bifwoli, Kanduyi MP John Makali, Webuye East MP Martin Wanyonyi, Gatundu North MP Karuri Njoroge and Laikipia Women Representative Jane Kagiri.