William Ruto and leaders preach unity in Bungoma tour

Leaders across the political divide have vowed to set aside their political differences and work together for the sake of development.

The leaders drawn from both the ruling Jubilee Party and opposition National Super Alliance (Nasa) said that they had agreed to come together and unite the country.

Led by Deputy President William Ruto, the leaders said that time for competitive politics ended last year and that it was time for elected leaders to focus of serving Kenyans.

“We have decided as elected leaders to forget about the past and work together irrespective of our political parties to realise the development needs of the country," said Mr Ruto.

The leaders spoke on Saturday at Mabanga Primary School in Kabuchai constituency, Bungoma County, during the 25th anniversary celebration in priesthood of Father Pius Lukhale of the Catholic Diocese of Bungoma.

UNITY DEAL

Present were Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka, MPs Mabonga Mwambu (Bumala), John Waluke (Sirisia), Tim Wanyonyi (Westlands), Dan Wanyama (Webuye West), James Lusweti (Kabuchai), Catherine Wambilianga (Bungoma), Chris Wamalwa (Kiminini) and Paul Katana (Kaloleni).

Mr Wanyonyi said the unity deal between President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga had created a conducive environment for unity of the country.

“Since the handshake took place in March this year, we have changed the politics of Kenya," said Mr Wanyonyi.

Ms Wambilianga said MPs had resolved to work together and serve the people despite coming from different political parties.

“As leaders in Parliament, we do not have party boundaries, we work together," said the Bungoma Woman Representative.

Mr Katana added: "As leaders, we have decided to work together and unite the people.”

POWER STRUGGLES

Mr Mwambu asked leaders to shun power struggles and focus on serving Kenyans.

“We are ever fighting for power. If we can only learn that humility is power, we will touch lives and transform the country," said Mr Mwambu.

The first term MP faulted Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa for claiming Mr Ruto did not have a chance of ascending to power just because he was second in command.

While addressing a recent Western Kenya leaders forum, the Cabinet Secretary seemingly cast doubts on Ruto’s chances of succeeding President Kenyatta in 2022. He pointed out that the country’s history shows that it is difficult for the deputy president to succeed his boss.

Mr Ruto said the Government would not be distracted from implementing its development agenda aimed at transforming the country.

BIG FOUR AGENDA

“We are focused on ensuring that the Big Four Agenda is successful and the development programs of the country are on course. Politics will play second fiddle," said Mr Ruto who was touring the vote rich region for the second time in one week.

Last Sunday, the DP attended a Sunday mass at Christ the King church in Bungoma town, where he maintained that his continuous criss-crossing of the entire country is part of his mandate as deputy president of the republic.

On Saturday, the Deputy President said the government would ensure equity in resource allocation to ensure no part of the country is left behind.

SPEND SH900 MILLION

Mr Ruto said the government would spend Sh900 Million to connect Bungoma residents to the national power grid noting that over the last four years, the government had doubled the number of those connected to power in the county.

He said the government will give the county milk to coolers to boost dairy farming in the region and also provide a CT Scan to improve healthcare.