Ruto: Reject Tribal Politics, Judge Leaders by Development Record

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Speaking during a church service at Full Gospel Church Gatunduri in Manyatta Constituency on Sunday, the President declared that his administration would not tolerate leaders who seek to divide the country along ethnic lines.

"I will not allow tribal politics to thrive in Kenya. No one will be allowed to divide Kenyans on a tribal basis," President Ruto said, describing politicians who promote tribalism as enemies of development. He added that Kenyans should ignore leaders who rely on divisive rhetoric, insisting that voters will ultimately reward performance rather than political noise.

The President also dismissed claims that any individual delivered the Mt. Kenya vote to him in the 2022 General Election. He reminded residents that he personally campaigned across the region, visited churches and appealed directly to wananchi for their support. "I came here and asked you to vote for me, and you did. No one should claim they were solely responsible for your decision," he told the congregation.

President Ruto used the occasion to highlight the achievements of his administration over the last three and a half years, saying that his government has invested heavily in education, healthcare, agriculture, housing and infrastructure.

He said the Kenya Kwanza administration has recruited 100,000 teachers, built 23,000 classrooms for junior and senior schools, and reformed higher education funding. He noted that the education sector has received a record allocation of KSh784 billion in the current financial year, describing education as the country's greatest equaliser.

On healthcare, the President said more than 31 million Kenyans have registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA) since its rollout in October 2024. 

He commended Governor Cecily Mbarire for leading a successful registration campaign, noting that Embu is among the top five counties nationally, with 72 per cent of residents enrolled. He added that hospitals in the county have received KSh2.5 billion for services offered under SHA.

The President further announced that government funding for essential medicines in public hospitals has increased from KSh13 billion to KSh19 billion in the 2026/27 financial year.

On the Affordable Housing Programme, President Ruto said the initiative has created nearly 700,000 jobs while stimulating the construction and manufacturing sectors through the building of houses, markets and student hostels across the country.

He also revealed that KSh350 billion has been mobilised for the National Infrastructure Fund through the Kenya Pipeline Company Initial Public Offering and the Safaricom share sale, saying the resources will unlock major infrastructure projects nationwide.

On agriculture, the President said reforms have reduced fertiliser prices and significantly improved coffee farmers' earnings. He noted that coffee cherry prices in Embu have risen from about KSh60 per kilogram in 2022 to between KSh140 and KSh150, while Kenya's annual milk production has increased from 4.5 billion litres to 5.4 billion litres, making the country Africa's leading milk producer.

Governor Cecily Mbarire praised the national government for accelerating development in Embu County, saying more than 300 kilometres of tarmac roads have been constructed during President Ruto's administration compared to 80 kilometres during the previous administration. 

She also thanked the President for supporting plans to establish a Level Five Hospital in Embu through funding from the Italian government.

Leaders present reaffirmed their support for President Ruto's re-election bid, saying his administration has demonstrated a clear commitment to transforming the country through development and economic growth.