Ruto links Wandeto death to ‘hate’, vows justice as he starts Coast development tour

Speaking in Mombasa on Wednesday, Ruto said attempts to stoke ethnic divisions would not succeed, as he linked recent tensions to what he described as hate speech and tribal mobilisation.

“For those of you who are visionless… you will not divide our nation using ethnicity. You will not divide our nation using hate,” Ruto said.

“The hate you are spewing… one day you will answer for the tribalism you are perpetuating in Kenya,” he added.

Ruto also referenced the death of Rachel Wandeto, who died after a suspected petrol attack in Mwiki, saying her killing would not go unanswered.

“The life of Rachel Wandeto will not go unanswered… Rachel Wandeto has been killed because of your hate, because of your tribalism, because of the profiling you have done against other Kenyans,” he said.

Ruto’s remarks came as he began his Coast tour, which State House said will feature the launch, inspection and handover of projects across the six counties.

The President’s programme includes the launch of an accelerated issuance of title deeds in Mombasa targeting all Coast counties, as the government seeks to address long-standing land issues in the region.

He is also expected to launch and inspect projects in Lamu, Kwale, Kilifi and Tana River counties, including fish markets, modern markets, last-mile electricity connectivity projects, roads, education infrastructure and affordable housing developments.