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Ruto defends reaching out to opposition figures
President William Ruto lays a foundation stone at Whitehouse Diani's Affordable Housing Project in Kwale County on February 25, 2025. Looking on are Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome and Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani.
What you need to know:
President William Ruto has reaffirmed his commitment to forming a government of national unity, stressing the importance of unity and peace in moving Kenya forward.
Ruto's efforts are part of a broader strategy to end tribal politics and ensure inclusive development, following recent meetings with opposition leaders such as Raila Odinga.
President William Ruto has reiterated his intention to form a government of national unity that will bring all Kenyans together.
The President said his priority is to unite Kenyans, ensure peace and also grow the country's economy through development projects.
Speaking in Diani during the launch of the Diani Affordable Housing Project in the Whitehouse area, the President said he was keen on creating job opportunities for the youth and development that will transform the country.
"We already have a government that works. Tribal politics has no place in our country. Unity is strength. Let's work together. We are coming together so that we can move our country forward," said Mr Ruto.
He was speaking a day after meeting ODM leader Raila Odinga at Mombasa State House where sources said confidential agreements were reached.
He said the Coast region had long been marginalised because of tribal politics, but the recent move to have a broad-based government would change that.
"Once we move forward, you will not be marginalised. We will move together as one nation. Even if you want to stay behind, I will not allow it," he said.
He was in the country to launch several projects including the upgrading of Mkongani Level III Hospital, the launch of a last-mile electricity connection, the launch of affordable housing projects in Diani and the issuance of over 6000 title deeds to Gazi residents in Msambweni Constituency.
The construction of affordable housing comes after experts warned of an underlying geological risk that could jeopardise the development.
Earlier, Coast Regional Affordable Housing Coordinator John Karanja said a recent survey showed that a cave had been discovered on the site and that there were several tributaries underneath that would affect the integrity of the structures to be built.
President Ruto also urged locals to register with the Social Health Authority (Sha) for government health services.
He said the data would also help in better planning of human resources and drugs in the health sector.
For his part, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said he was ready to support President William Ruto in his efforts to unite the country and put an end to the politics of last resort in Kenya.
"For us to be a strong nation, we must live in peace. We are putting politics aside and focusing on development and a government that brings people together. We are here to support the unity of our country," said Prof Kindiki.
He added: "Politics is over and we need to move forward as a country. That is why the government is involving all these people and we are all behind the President to move forward and as one nation and in peace," said Prof Kindiki.
He said supporting the unity of the country will help realise the aspiration of developing Kenya.
Politicians from Kwale who were also present commended President Ruto for accessing some of the remote areas while bringing development.
Kwale Woman Representative Fatuma Masito said it was marginalisation that drove some Kwale politicians to join the opposition.
However, she said benefits such as title deeds would help Kwale residents to be part of the national government.
For her part, Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani urged the youth to take advantage of employment opportunities and avoid idleness that leads to crime.
"The President has already given us the opportunity to get jobs. Let us stop crime and protect our economy," she said.
Other cabinet secretaries who accompanied President Ruto included Lands CS Alice Wahome, Education CS Julius Migos, Sports CS Salim Mvurya and other local leaders.
