Ruto: Why I am working with Raila on broad-based government

President William Ruto, the two Speakers of Parliament and other top government officials on Saturday preached on the importance of strengthening the government’s partnership with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as they addressed mourners in Baringo County.

As they spoke at Arap Moi Secondary School at the burial of Baringo Senator William Cheptumo, the politicians emphasised on the need for Kenya to forge forward as one.

Their messaging comes ahead of a promise by Mr Odinga to announce later this week the direction he will take in his party’s working relationship with the Kenya Kwanza government.

Dr Ruto asked Kenyans to embrace the broad-based government, saying it would promote national unity and cohesion.

The President noted that people can have divergent opinions on policies and programmes but should never differ on the destiny of the country aimed at bringing people together.

“We can disagree on policies, programmes and even on how to implement them but should never disagree on the destiny of Kenya because this country is for all of us. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you believe in but we share a country, a destiny, and if Kenya succeeds, we all succeed,” said President Ruto.

“We can find a common ground on important matters that are good for Kenya and we can work together to pursue them even as we divergent views or opinions on whatever it is that we do,” he added.

Also Read: What Raila wants in talks with Ruto

Dr Ruto insisted that Kenya is bigger than anyone’s selfish interests, adding that they have common issues with the Azimio la Umoja coalition that they agree on, including universal health coverage and housing.

“There are common issues that we can pursue with common interests for the people of Kenya,” he said as he also urged Kenyans to enrol with the Social Health Authority.

He eulogised Senator Cheptumo as a faithful and great leader who loved his people and was passionate about leadership.

“Cheptumo knew what he wanted and always looked out for the people who elected him. When national duty called, he showed up. I worked with him in Parliament and in other different capacities and he was a great resource in negotiations that brought peace during the 2007/2008 post-election violence. He also worked tirelessly to be part of bringing peace in the insecurity-prone areas in the North Rift,” said the President.

Also Read: Inside President Ruto, Raila Odinga deal after loss in AUC election

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula also indicated Kenyans should support leaders who work together irrespective of tribal and political affiliations.

“If President Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga are talking about bringing people together, the principal protagonists in the previous general elections, yet you as their supporters are fighting and insulting each other. We are calling on the President to reach out to everybody … that is your legacy because you are leading a country called Kenya, whether those people supported you or not,” said Mr Wetang’ula.

“I am appealing to the MPs to lead in uniting Kenyans, because they have a platform of reaching out to Kenyans in the grassroots. Let us speak in one voice to sensitise that any Kenyan from any part of the country is the same, irrespective of their tribal lines or political affiliation,” added the Speaker.

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi also claimed that the President has led a good example by burying the hatchet and shelving his interests to work together with his political rival for the common good of all Kenyans.

“The President is now working with his political rival, Mr Odinga, displaying a good example to Kenyans that there is good in working together as leaders. If we want unity in this country, then we should desist as leaders from dividing Kenyans along political affiliations and where they come from. We have one Nation and one President…we have to promote unity,” said Mr Kingi.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi called on Kenyans to strengthen the healthcare system, emphasising that the world is shifting responsibility for health financing to individual nations.

Mr Mudavadi said that universal health coverage remains a key pillar in achieving national development, noting that Kenya must ensure that healthcare is accessible and affordable to all citizens. He cautioned against politicising healthcare matters, stating that a functional health system is essential for national stability and prosperity.

“We can do politics with other things, but let us not do politics with the health of our people. Every Kenyan deserves access to quality healthcare, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure this becomes a reality,” he said.

Mr Mudavadi highlighted Cheptumo’s efforts in fighting cattle rustling and his unwavering commitment to the people of Baringo County.

“He had no intellectual insecurity. He always stood for what was right and served his people with utmost dedication. His life was a testament to resilience, humility, and the power of prayer,” Mr Mudavadi noted.

He further reflected on the leadership legacy of the Tugen community, noting that the region has produced remarkable leaders such as the late President Daniel arap Moi and General Daudi Tonje.