Ruto dismisses critics of broad based government

President William Ruto addressing residents at Ol Kalou town in Nyandarua county on April 03, 2025 during his Mt Kenya Region Tour .[Kipsang Joszeph,Standard] President William Ruto has defended his broad-based government as a unifying force among Kenyans, dismissing critics, whom he described as "prophets of doom sent by the devil" for attacking the coalition through the media. Speaking on Easter Sunday during the Inter-Ministries Union (IMO) prayers held in Mosiro Ward, Narok East Sub-County, President Ruto said that unity is the foundation of national progress. "There is nothing difficult for a united people or a united country. When we are united, God commands blessings. That is why we have formed a broad-based government-because nothing is impossible when we come together. That is my main agenda." Responding to mounting opposition, especially from within the ODM party over the Kenya Kwanza-Azimio unity pact, the president said critics of the alliance were being used to sabotage national unity. "There are those attacking us in newspapers, claiming unity is betrayal. This is the devil working against the unity of our nation. We are unapologetic about coming together as leaders to propel Kenya forward," he added. The event was attended by top Maa leaders, including Governors Patrick Ole Ntutu (Narok) and Joseph Ole Lenku (Kajiado), former governor Samuel Ole Tunai, Senator Ledama Ole Kina, MPs Ken Aramat (Narok East), Gabriel Tongoyo (Narok West), Kitilai Ntutu (Narok South), Agnes Pareyio (Narok North), and nominated Senator Peris Tobiko. Over 300 church leaders also participated. The president used the occasion to preview his two-day development tour of Narok County set for May 6-7. He promised infrastructure development including roads, markets, hospitals, and water projects. And for the proposed projects to be successful, President Ruto addressed the Conflict of Interest Bill 2025, which last week he returned to Parliament for revision, citing weak provisions. "There is a bill I have referred back to Parliament-the Conflict of Interest Bill 2025. It must uphold integrity and transparency in the procurement of government projects and services," Ruto said. He gave lawmakers a three-week ultimatum to strengthen the bill, warning he would veto any legislation that undermines the fight against corruption. "As public servants, we cannot afford to carry the baggage of self-interest. We must take accountability seriously." The Bill seeks to prevent public officials from using their positions for personal gain and proposes tough penalties for those found engaging in corrupt practices. During his upcoming Narok tour, Ruto is expected to: Commission three ESP markets in Suswa, Ntulele, and Narok Town, Open the Narok Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), Inspect ongoing works at the stalled Narok Referral Hospital-now under the Kenya Defence Forces, Lay the foundation for Narok International Airport in Ewuaso Ng'iro, Launch construction of several key roads Governors Ntutu and Lenku praised the president for appointing Maasai leaders to key positions, including Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya and State House Comptroller Katoo Ole Metito, as well as for the resettlement of Mau Forest evictees and the return of Amboseli National Reserve to Kajiado County. Lenku also lauded Ruto for recognizing the Ilchamus community by granting them sub-county status after years of marginalization. MP Ken Aramat, who was the main host, thanked the president for returning 10,000 acres of disputed land from Kidong Ranch to the community in Suswa. In a surprising turn, Senator Ledama Ole Kina-previously a vocal critic of the Kenya Kwanza government-vowed to support the Ruto-Raila alliance and promised to rally the 1.4 million Maa Nation voters behind the president in 2027. "Your unity with Baba is a new beginning for the Maa Nation. I will make sure no one is left behind," said Ole Kina.

Ruto dismisses critics of broad based government

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