Safeguard peace, respect the law – Ruto tells Kenyans

President William Ruto has urged Kenyans to maintain and safeguard peace and unity in the country.

The Head of state stated that leaders should take the initiative in promoting peace instead of inciting division among Kenyans along tribal lines.

Speaking during the funeral of Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro’s father, Gideon Baya Mung’aro Senior, in Daboso on Wednesday, he stressed the importance of citizens and leaders understanding that everyone needs Kenya to be peaceful and united.

“It is the responsibility of all of us to safeguard peace by engaging in activities that do not jeopardize our stability,” President Ruto said.

He advised organizers of demonstrations to do so in accordance with the Constitution and the law.

“Those engaging in demonstrations should ensure they demonstrate peacefully and should not destroy life or property, ” he said.

The President urged leaders to set aside their political differences and take a unified stance on matters of development.

“Unity among leaders is critical for the transformation of the country,” he stated.

He continued: “We may have different opinions, but as leaders, we must unite for the prosperity of the nation.”

At the same time, President Ruto announced that the government will erect an electric fence around Tsavo East National Park to contain elephant invasions in the county.

Responding to local leaders, the President assured them that an electric fence is the lasting solution to the problem.

Regarding the land issue at the Coast, he explained that the government is working to resolve the squatter problem and ensure residents receive title deeds.

“We are making progress in addressing the historical land issues in the region and eradicating the squatter problem. Forty thousand title deeds are ready for Kilifi County,” he said.

President Ruto linked the government’s broader development agenda to the country’s improving economic outlook.

He commended former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who was present, for collaborating with him in efforts to unite the country.

“I thank my brother Raila Odinga for accepting to work with me in uniting our country for prosperity. Time for elections is over and it’s an opportunity to build the country,” he said.

President Ruto described the late Mung’aro Senior as a respected, progressive, and industrious leader.

“The family, friends, and the people of Kilifi are in our prayers during this painful time,” he said.

Mr Odinga criticized those engaging in endless politicking and dividing Kenyans along tribal lines, stating that it was time to address the problems facing the country.

“Some leaders are engaging in politics of shares and division, threatening to remove others from office. It is Kenyans who vote out leaders, not an individual,” he said.

The former Prime Minister emphasized the need for Kenyans to demonstrate peacefully without destroying property.

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi commended President Ruto’s development agenda in the Coast region, noting that the region had been sidelined by previous governments.

“The projects being initiated, not only at the Coast but also across the country, touch the lives of ordinary Kenyans,” Mr Kingi said.

He advised President Ruto not to be distracted by critics as he implements his development agenda for the country.

“You are being resisted because you are a strong leader. No weak person can be contested. The same critics will soon come and praise what you are currently doing to transform the country,” he said.

The Speaker stated that Coast leaders will rally behind President Ruto in the 2027 General Election.

Other leaders present included Cabinet Secretaries Hassan Joho (Mining and Blue Economy) and Salim Mvurya (Sports), Governors Abdulswamad Nassir (Mombasa), Issa Timammy (Lamu), Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Dhadho Godana (Tana River), and Andrew Mwadime (Taita Taveta), along with several MPs.