President William Ruto has called on Kenyans to safeguard national unity and avoid allowing elections to divide the country, emphasizing that Kenya’s future depends on peaceful coexistence and inclusive development.
Speaking during a meeting with a delegation of grassroots leaders from Bungoma County led by Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa at State House, Nairobi, on Friday, the President said elections should never be viewed as a matter of life and death.
“Elections are not a matter of life and death. There will be Kenya after the election and we must live together as brothers and sisters of one nation,” President Ruto said.
Ruto Warns Against Divisive Politics
The Head of State urged Kenyans not to allow political leaders to divide them along ethnic lines, noting that national unity remains essential for the country’s progress.
He called on leaders to focus on service delivery and development rather than engaging in divisive politics.
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Addressing leaders present, including newly elected Ol Kalou MP Sammy Kamau Ngotho, President Ruto said elected officials would ultimately be judged by their development record and the impact they make on citizens’ lives.
“The most important thing is to ensure that the lives of the people who vote for us improve,” he said.
Development Should Be the Focus of Leadership
The President noted that Kenya can only achieve meaningful transformation through sustained investment in development projects and programmes.
He urged citizens to support visionary leaders with practical solutions for advancing the country’s economic and social development.
“We want to take this country forward,” he said.
President Ruto reiterated the government’s commitment to equitable development, assuring Kenyans that no region would be left behind.
“We have the means to transform every part of Kenya,” he stated.
Bungoma Among Key Beneficiaries of Government Projects
The President highlighted several ongoing projects in Bungoma County, saying the government has invested heavily in infrastructure, housing, healthcare, and economic development initiatives.
According to Ruto, more than KSh30 billion has been invested in affordable housing projects, including the construction of an 18,000-unit smart city in Bungoma Town, modern markets, and student hostels.
He further announced that the government has secured KSh8 billion for the construction of a Level 6 Hospital in Bungoma, which is expected to improve access to specialized healthcare services.
Road and Agriculture Reforms
The President said the ongoing Rironi-Mau Summit Highway project will be extended to Eldoret, Bungoma, and the Malaba border, a move aimed at improving connectivity, facilitating trade, and unlocking the economic potential of the Western Kenya region.
On agriculture, he said reforms in the sugar sector have revitalized the industry by ensuring timely payments to farmers and factory workers.
SHA Registration Hits 32 Million
President Ruto also cited progress under the Social Health Authority (SHA), revealing that 32 million Kenyans have already registered under the health insurance programme.
“When you go to villages, there are testimonies of people whose medical bills have been paid for by SHA,” he said.
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa praised the programme, arguing that SHA has performed better than the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Leaders Praise Government’s Development Agenda
Speaking on behalf of professionals in the delegation, Dr Flora Fedha commended the government’s infrastructure projects, particularly the ongoing construction of the Rironi-Mau Summit Road.
“Whether they like it or not, they will recognise you for your work,” she said.
The meeting brought together grassroots leaders and professionals from Bungoma County, who expressed support for the government’s ongoing development programmes.
