President William Ruto and Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua have made differing unity calls during the National Akurino Conference held on Sunday, June 9, 2024.
Ruto emphasized the importance of national unity, asserting that there is no space for tribal and regional divisions.
He stated that the fight against tribal politics began in Nakuru County during his tenure with former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“We came here with Uhuru, and we aimed to eliminate tribalism from Kenya’s politics. Nakuru was at the forefront of this fight, and we succeeded in eradicating tribal-based politics aimed at dividing the nation,” Ruto said.
Ruto maintained that he would not allow the reemergence of divisive politics, citing its destructive nature.
“I want to assure you that tribalistic politics will not resurface because we understand the challenges and losses it brings,” he said.
Ruto Cites Kenya’s Position Globally
Additionally, the president highlighted Kenya’s prominence globally, with countries like Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Haiti relying on it for assistance.
Ruto appealed to elected leaders to prioritize unity, urging them to work together to advance the nation.
“We have a blessed country, and other nations depend on us. Sudan and DRC are waiting for Kenya to help them. The same applies to Haiti, who are expecting our police in the next one or two weeks. I plead with you, my fellow leaders, let us work together for the unity of this great nation called Kenya. Let us not divide Kenyans; instead, let us move forward,” he said.
Also Read: Ruto Explains Why He Chose Gachagua as DP Over Ndindi Nyoro & Other Politicians
Gachagua Calls for Bottom-Up Unity Model
However, Gachagua maintained that unity starts from the bottom and moves upwards, similar to the bottom-up economic transformation agenda.
He explained that disunity in any small area would affect the unity of the entire country, emphasizing the need for a bottom-up unity model.
“Let people not create narratives that don’t exist. Unity will be achieved, just like economic development, through the bottom-up transformation agenda. Unity is also bottom-up; you start from your family, move to the village, sub-location, country, region, up to the national level. That is what we are trying to help the president do,” he said.
Also Read: Ruto Gives Directive to Gachagua After UDA Chaos
Using Church as an Example
Using the church as an example, Gachagua maintained that unity among a particular group of people does not imply opposition to others.
He added that different groups have different needs and challenges, hence the need for grassroots unity initiatives before fostering national unity.
“I have heard CS Moses Kuria asking the Akorino church to unite. It is true because they have unique issues concerning Wakorino. But the unity of the Akorino does not mean they are uniting against the Catholic Church or PCEA. It is because they have unique challenges affecting them. The Akorino become united, PCEA united, and then all the churches come together as one big church,” he said.
Gachagua maintained that he is a peacekeeper in the Kenya Kwanza government, citing his role in reinstating peace in Kericho, Kiambu, Nakuru, and Meru County.
“The unity we are calling for is the unity of Kenya, and we are doing it bottom-up,” he said.
Additionally, Gachagua said he has played a significant role in helping the president champion Kenya’s economic transformation.
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