President William Ruto on Sunday took his message of national unity and development to Western Kenya, urging leaders and citizens to reject divisive politics. Speaking during a joint church service at Friends Comprehensive School Kivaywa in Lugari, Kakamega County, Ruto criticized his opponents for lacking a credible development agenda and relying on tribalism and political rhetoric.
“We cannot hand over to people who have no plans or programmes for this country,” Ruto said. “Their biggest strength is dividing Kenyans and propagating the politics of shares.”
The President emphasized his administration’s commitment to improving the lives of all Kenyans, regardless of political affiliation. He pointed to the leasing of state-owned sugar mills as a key reform that has revived the ailing sugar sector, ensuring farmers receive timely payments. “Sugarcane will no longer be a poverty crop,” he said.
Ruto defended his recent political truce with ODM leader Raila Odinga, saying it was aimed at uniting the country and removing historical divisions. He also outlined plans to tackle youth unemployment through ICT hubs and foreign job opportunities.
Accompanied by several top leaders including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Governors Fernadez Barasa (Kakamega), Ken Lusaka (Bungoma), and Nairobi’s Johnson Sakaja the President received strong backing for his 2027 re-election bid.
Sirisia MP John Waluke, who chairs the Western MPs caucus, announced that the region plans to consolidate its support for Ruto and push for one of their own to be his running mate. “In the next two weeks, we’ll bring together Wetang’ula, Musalia [Mudavadi], and Eugene [Wamalwa] to unite Western behind Ruto,” Waluke said.
Governor Barasa and MPs present praised the national government’s development interventions and pledged full support in 2027. Wetang’ula and Sakaja echoed the call for Luhya unity, describing it as a foundation for national cohesion.
Ruto’s Western Kenya tour signals a strategic push to secure the region’s backing as political realignments begin to take shape ahead of the next general election.
