Africa-Press – Kenya. President William Ruto has emphasized his commitment to national unity, saying he reached a political understanding with the late ODM leader Raila Odinga to move away from divisive politics and focus on uniting the country and advancing development.
Speaking in Malindi town, Kilifi County, Ruto said the agreement involved rejecting politics rooted in discrimination, ethnicity, and hatred in favor of national cohesion.
“Mimi nilikubaliana na kiongozi wa ODM Raila Odinga, nilimwambia na tukakubaliana kwamba tuwache siasa ya ubaguzi, siasa ya ukabila na siasa ya chuki, tuunganishe taifa letu la Kenya. (I reached an agreement with ODM leader Raila Odinga; I told him, and we agreed, that we should end politics of discrimination, tribalism, and hatred, and unite our nation, Kenya),” the President said.
Ruto noted that the unity message was reflected in the composition of the national government, pointing to the inclusion of ODM leaders in key positions.
“Even as I stand here today, ODM colleagues like Hassan Joho are present; he is the Cabinet Secretary for the Blue Economy in our national government,” he said, adding that unity ensures no region is left behind in development.
The President said he had agreed with CS Joho to expand investments in Kilifi’s blue economy, including constructing three additional fish landing sites.
He also highlighted government grants for youth in Beach Management Units, aimed at empowering fishing communities.
“We have provided grants to the youth in the Beach Management Units, and we are ensuring that as we develop the blue economy, fishing remains at the center of our development plans,” Ruto said.
Ruto reaffirmed his commitment to running an inclusive government that leaves no Kenyan behind, stressing that unity is critical to economic transformation.
During the visit, he presided over the disbursement of NYOTA start-up capital for youth and small businesses in Lamu, Kilifi, and Tana River counties, describing the initiative as a lifeline for young entrepreneurs.
Highlighting ongoing development projects, Ruto said the government has invested Sh21 billion in Kilifi County to construct over 8,000 affordable housing units, 12 modern markets, and hostels to accommodate 4,300 college and university students.
To further strengthen the blue economy, the President said the government has provided more than 100 fishing boats to youth groups and disbursed Sh983 million to 278 groups across the county.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki supported the unity message, saying Kenya must remain united to achieve lasting development.
Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro welcomed the President and pledged cooperation with the national government.
“We will work with you and collaborate to deliver development,” Mung’aro said.
Ruto acknowledged scepticism in some quarters but stressed that inclusive governance and cooperation across political divides are both possible and necessary for Kenya’s progress.
