President Ruto urges leaders to unite, focus on service delivery amid political tensions

Recognizing the acrimony stirred by the impeachment proceedings, Ruto urged leaders to reject divisive politics and work towards national unity. 

Speaking at the 70th anniversary of the African Divine Church in Nairobi, the President emphasized that it’s time to focus on service delivery for Kenyans.

In his address, President Ruto, who recently appointed Professor of Law Kithure Kindiki as Deputy President, urged leaders to move beyond recent political conflicts. 

"I ask those who have the opportunity to lead Kenyans to put politics aside," Ruto said. "What happened is behind us. Let us now unite."

Accompanied by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, President Ruto also acknowledged the role of former ODM leader Raila Odinga in promoting unity through the broad-based government approach.

 "I thank Raila Odinga for agreeing to unite Kenyans so that Kenya can move forward," said Ruto.

Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi called on the church to support the government’s efforts in fostering peace and unity. "The peace and stability of our nation is very important," Mudavadi noted.

ODM’s Acting Secretary-General George Aladwa also expressed support for Ruto’s leadership, saying, 

"The President of Kenya should be respected… Our ODM leader has placed us in the broad-based government for the sake of unity."

The church service also saw significant discussion around the government’s proposed Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), intended to replace the current NHIF system and ensure equitable access to healthcare.

Governor Sakaja voiced support for the new health fund, stating, "It’s unacceptable for anyone to miss out on treatment because of lack of money.  This new system will serve Kenyans well." National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah added, "There has been misinformation about SHIF… Our new Deputy President’s first task should be educating Kenyans on this. NHIF has enriched a few, while SHIF aims to serve all Kenyans."

President Ruto further affirmed, "In the past, health insurance was only for those who could afford it. Now, health insurance will reach every Kenyan, regardless of their financial situation."

The Executive contends that resistance to SHIF stems from those who benefitted from corruption within NHIF. "Corruption fights back," said Mudavadi. "Those opposed to SHIF know how they have profited from NHIF."

Additionally, President Ruto announced a budget allocation that will enable the employment of 20,000 teachers by January, underscoring his administration’s commitment to improving education access across Kenya.