The President pointed out that there was more to gain in unity among Kenyans than divisive politics.
Speaking in Butere, Kakamega County, during a thanksgiving ceremony for Cooperatives and SMES Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, on Saturday, President Ruto said: “There is no need for political division and tribal affiliation. This is why I appointed a broad-based Cabinet to bring all Kenyans together.”
He told leaders to focus more on the issues that bring the country together as opposed to those that divide the country.
“As leaders, we should always commit ourselves to issues that lead to the transformation, prosperity and unity of our great nation,” he said.
He said the broad-based government offers the country a unique opportunity for a better Kenya.
“A Kenya that embraces all and offers everyone equal opportunity to participate in nation building; a Kenya where we can turn our everyday dream into an everyday reality,” the President said.
He thanked former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and opposition Azimio leader for agreeing to work with his administration.
“I want to thank Mr Raila Odinga for agreeing to work together with the government for the sake of development. We should know that teamwork and unity remain key to our transformation,” he said.
He urged leaders to support government efforts in ensuring Mr Odinga succeeded in his bid for the position of chairperson of the African Union Commission early next year.
“We’ve an opportunity as a country to produce the next African Union Commission chairperson. All of us must support the candidature of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga,” he said.
At the same time, President Ruto assured the newly appointed Cabinet Secretaries that they’ll have a free hand in decision making in their respective ministries.
He said no one will interfere with their work of serving the people of Kenya.
The President expressed confidence in the newly appointed Cabinet Secretaries, saying they have the capacity to help implement the transformative Kenya Kwanza manifesto.
“I am confident that my brother Oparanya, and other Cabinet Secretaries, will deliver the government agenda of transforming this country,” President Ruto said.
“I have not doubt that you have what it takes to move our country forward in the ministry that you have an opportunity to serve,” the President told Mr Oparanya.
He said the Hustler Fund was transforming the lives of millions of Kenyans, noting that 79 per cent of those who have borrowed repay.
Mr Oparanya thanked the President for the opportunity to serve Kenyans, assuring him that he will deliver.
Kiharu MP Dindi Nyoro, who is also the Budget Committee chairman in the National Assembly, assured Junior Secondary School teachers that their terms of employment will be converted to permanent.
He said KSh18.7 billion has been earmarked for this purpose in this year’s budget.
Other crucial funds in the budget include KSh7.5 billion for subsidised fertiliser and KSh1.5 billion for enhanced milk prices.
Governors Fernandes Barasa of Kakamega, Paul Otuoma (Busia), Chelilim Bii (Uasin Gishu), Ken Lusaka (Bungoma), Wilberforce Otichilo (Vihiga), Simba Arati (Kisii), Ochilo Ayacko (Migori) and James Orenho (Siaya), and several MPs were also present.
Suna East MP Junet Mohamed said the broad-based Cabinet was for a good cause.
Mr John Waluke (Sirisia) commended the President for appointing a broad-based Cabinet, saying it was for peace and development of the country.
Earlier in Nandi County, President Ruto said the government is committed to address the challenges facing the dairy sector.
He noted that New KCC was under instructions to pay milk farmers KSh50 a litre from next month and do so every month.
President Ruto pointed out that the government will not allow brokers to frustrate milk farmers’ efforts to improve their productivity.
“As a government, we are subsidising production as the only way to improve productivity and attain food security in our country,” the President said.
He made the remarks when he launched the Last Mile Connectivity Programme at Cheptigit in Aldai Constituency.
He also inspected construction of the Kobujoi fresh produce market that will offer a conducive environment for hundreds of traders.
By Bernadette Khaduli
