KISII, Kenya Aug 20 – President William Ruto has asked leaders to embrace unity and respect for each other while discharging their duties.
He said it was time leaders from across the political divide put aside their differences and forge a common stand for the sake of development.
President Ruto said issues to do with the last General Election were ‘now behind us’, saying it was time to serve the people.
Speaking at Nyanturago grounds in Kisii County during an interdenominational prayer service, President Ruto called for teamwork and unity of purpose among leaders in addressing challenges facing Kenyans.
President Ruto argued that Kenyans made their decisions on leadership during the last General Election, noting that it was now time to serve them.
“Kenyans made their choices on the nature of leaders from MCAs to the President during the last General Election. Since there is time for everything, as leaders it’s now our opportunity to serve the people, ” said President Ruto.
The Head of State welcomed the move by Abagusii leaders to work with the Government in addressing challenges facing the region.
He noted that he had no problem with the Opposition leaders since their responsibility was to provide checks and balances on the Government.
“I don’t have any problem with the Opposition leaders. They are constitutionally recognized. They should do their work in accordance with the law,” said President Ruto.
The President also cautioned the Opposition leaders against misusing other people’s children to engage in disruptive demonstrations to achieve their selfish ends.
“It’s against the law, unconstitutional and backward for some people to use violence to sabotage development. This is unacceptable,” said President Ruto.
At the same time, the President noted that his administration has put in place proper mechanisms aimed at reducing the cost of living.
He said the Government will continue to subsidize the cost of farm inputs including fertilizer as part of efforts to increase production.
“We’ve reduced the cost of fertilizers from Sh 7,000 to Sh 3,500 and now to Sh 2,500. I ask farmers who are yet to register to do so to benefit from the subsidized commodity,” said Dr Ruto.
He argued that the registration of farmers has greatly helped eliminate cartels that were selling fertilizers at exorbitant prices.
Dr Ruto said by investing heavily in the agricultural sector, the country would soon stop importing Sh 500 billion worth of food items.
Governor Simba Arati said he was ready to work with President Ruto, saying he was democratically elected into office.
Mr Arati said leaders should put aside their political differences and work as a team in serving the people.
“I am ready to work with President Ruto and his administration because he was democratically elected into office. I see legitimacy in you Mr President. You are a sober leader and someone with a good heart”, said Mr Arati.
The Governor made it clear that disruptive demonstrations will not be entertained in his county.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa urged Opposition leaders to accept the results of the last General Election and move on.
He said it was unfair for Opposition leader Raila Odinga to criticise diplomats who have simply said the truth about the last General Election.
“I want you Mr Arati to go and tell Mr Raila Odinga to accept defeat just like you’ve done and that he should stop fighting diplomats who have simply said the truth,” said Mr Ichung’wa.
He said Kenyans were free to participate in peaceful demonstrations but cautioned that police will not hesitate to take action against those who engage in disruptive demonstrations.
Present were Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, Solicitor General Shadrack Mose, MPs Zaheer Jhanda ( Nyaribari Chache), David Kiharaho (Ol Kalou), Charles Onchoke (Bonchari), Patrick Osero (Borabu), Hezron Manduku (Nyaribari Masaba), Geoffrey Wandeto (Tetu) and Jerusha Momanyi (Nyamira).
Others were Donya Aburi (Kisii), Alpha Miruka (Bomachoge Chache), Japeth Nyakundi (Kitutu Chache), Steve Mogaka (West Mugirango), Richard Onyonka (Kisii) and Sylvanus Osoro (South Mugirango).
The MPs said they’ve resolved to put aside their differences and work together for the sake of development.
Mr Osoro said the Government was committed to serving Kenyans, adding that the ongoing talks with the Opposition would not lead to any form of a handshake.
Senator Onyonka argued that development would be elusive if there was disunity among elected leaders.
“As leaders, we should learn to forgive and stop fighting each other,” said Mr Onyonka.
