Ruto dismisses power-sharing claims in UDA-ODM pact

President William Ruto, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi (left) and Mary Chebukati, wife to the late Former IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati during his funeral in Sabata, Trans-Nzoia County.[File, Standard] President William Ruto has clarified that the agreement between United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is not about power-sharing or the 2027 elections. Speaking during the funeral service of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County, President Ruto said the pact is meant to foster unity of purpose to drive the country's social, economic, and political transformation. He explained that the framework will focus on tackling youth unemployment, enhancing national unity, promoting inclusivity in governance and development, ensuring integrity in public service, and eliminating wastage in government. Ruto reaffirmed his commitment to serving all Kenyans equally, regardless of how they voted in the last election. "To all the leaders who share in the vision of a united nation and prosperous Kenya that is inclusive, we must work together," he said. The funeral service was attended by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, several Cabinet Secretaries, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Governors George Natembeya (Trans Nzoia), Ken Lusaka (Bungoma), and Jonathan Bii (Uasin Gishu), along with Members of Parliament and county assembly representatives. The President emphasised the government's commitment to equitable development, saying no Kenyan would be discriminated against in the delivery of services. "Tribalism, division, and hatred cannot help us move forward as a country. We must discard these vices and move together as a nation," he said. On the issuance of National Identification Cards, President Ruto assured Kenyans that no one would be profiled based on their religion, region, or ethnicity. "I will never be part of any policy that categorizes Kenyans into different groups," he affirmed. Regarding universal healthcare under the Social Health Authority (SHA), President Ruto reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring the program is effective and efficient. He noted that SHA had registered 21 million users since October, a significant increase compared to the seven million users under the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). While eulogizing Chebukati, President Ruto described him as intelligent, courageous, and a man of tremendous integrity. "Wafula Chebukati was a courageous and bold leader who could not be threatened or blackmailed. He did the right thing," he said. He credited Chebukati for standing firm during the 2022 presidential election, saying he resisted pressure from powerful individuals attempting to manipulate the results. "Powerful individuals from the security sector and the administration went to Bomas of Kenya to try and manipulate the 2022 elections using might and money, but Chebukati stood firm and chose to do the right thing," he added. Ruto praised Chebukati for setting a high standard at the IEBC, saying his legacy would guide future electoral leadership. Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi commended the government's commitment to strengthening devolution, noting that President Ruto's administration had allocated the highest budget yet for devolved units. "In terms of resource allocation, President Ruto's government has budgeted the highest amount ever for devolution," he said. Speaker Wetang'ula lauded the unity pact between President Ruto and Mr. Odinga, saying all peace-loving Kenyans supported the agreement. "We want Kenya to move forward together, united as one," he said. Governor Natembeya urged Kenyans to remember the late Chebukati for his dedication to the nation, while Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang commended President Ruto for teaming up with Mr. Odinga to unite the country. He urged leaders in Trans Nzoia to embrace the President's unity call and avoid dividing residents along tribal lines.

Ruto dismisses power-sharing claims in UDA-ODM pact

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Ruto dismisses power-sharing claims in UDA-ODM pact

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