NAKURU, Kenya, Jan 11 – President William Ruto has called on leaders from across the political divide to set aside differences and work together to advance the country’s development agenda.
The President noted that Kenyans have abandoned tribal politics in favour of ideas and plans that will transform their lives.
He explained that during the 2022 General Election, he garnered 25 per cent of votes in 39 counties, a demonstration that Kenya is moving towards unity.
“Elections are behind us. The most important thing now is for us to unite, work together and plan for the country’s transformation,” he said.
The President made the remarks on Thursday during a meeting with Jubilee Party Members of County Assembly at State House Nakuru.
The 120 out of the party’s 127 MCAs pledged to support the Government agenda in their respective county assemblies.
Present were Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Acting Jubilee Party leader Sabina Chege, Jubilee National Chairman Nelson Dzuya, Secretary-General Kanini Kega and United Democratic Alliance Secretary-General Cleophas Malala.
Others were Senators Abdul Haji (Garissa), Fatuma Dullo (Isiolo), Margaret Kamar (Nominated), and MPs Aden Keynan (Eldas), Joseph Githuku (Lamu), Ruweida Obbo (Lamu East), Irene Njoki (Bahati), Samuel Arama (Nakuru West), Rachel Nyamai (Kitui South), Jerusha Momanyi (Nyamira) and Sara Korere (Laikipia North).
President Ruto assured the MCAs that the Kenya Kwanza Government supports a Bill seeking to make county assemblies autonomous to enhance their independence.
“This will enable county assemblies to hold the executive accountable and improve transparency,” he said.
He added that the government endorses the creation of a pension plan for MCAs, and they will be required to contribute towards it.
The Head of State lauded Jubilee as a national party with representatives from across the country.
President Ruto told leaders in the country to have the courage to make the right decisions for the country however difficult the decisions are likely to be.
He noted that leaders can no longer afford to delay or derail the transformation of the country by making convenient and popular decisions.
“I will always make the right decisions. You can never go wrong by making the right decision,” he added.
The President said the Government is keen on managing the country’s debt which, he explained, has slowed the development of the country.
“If for every KSh10 collected in Kenya KSh7 goes to pay debt, then we have a problem. It should be the other way round,” he added.
Mr Gachagua said the government is keen on working with like-minded leaders to drive the country’s transformation agenda.
He affirmed that President Ruto is steadfast in steering economic recovery and guiding the country on the path of growth.
“Your Excellency, you are on the right track. Do not allow your detractors to distract you from implementing your manifesto,” he added.
Ms Sabina said the Jubilee Party will work with the Government to advance the country’s development agenda. She urged members of the Jubilee Party to work with their Kenya Kwanza counterparts in Parliament and county assemblies.
Mr Keynan said President Ruto’s detractors are out to sabotage his agenda
“Countries that have progressed succeeded because of firm and decisive leadership,” he added.
She urged Jubilee members to stand firm in their commitment to support the government.
“We have made a decision; let us stick with that decision,” she said.
Mr Kega commended the President for taking bold but necessary steps aimed at transforming the country in the long term.
“In most cases, we make popular decisions. However, you have made difficult decisions that may not be popular now but will benefit the country in future,” he said.
