Ruto Blames Religious and Political Leaders for Kenya’s Divisive Politics

President calls for unity, warns of stern action against those inciting youth to violence

KAPTAGAT, Kenya – President William Ruto has placed blame squarely on religious and political leaders for failing to unite Kenyans, saying the country’s current challenges stem from “politics of hatred, tribalism and division.”

Speaking on Saturday during the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, the President expressed regret that Kenya finds itself in its current state due to divisive leadership.

“We could not be where we are today if religious and political leaders were committed to the unity of Kenyans,” Ruto declared, calling on leaders to prioritize unity and work together to address national challenges.

The President issued a stern warning to political leaders he accused of hiding behind young people to cause mayhem and restore their “dwindling political fortunes.”

“Some leaders are inciting the youth, leading to division, hatred and lawlessness. They do not respect the rule of law and thus the destruction of property,” he said.

Ruto warned that the government would not hesitate to take action against such leaders, promising to deal with them “in accordance with the rule of law.”

The President also called on parents to step up their role in shaping their children’s moral compass, suggesting that many have failed or abandoned their parental responsibilities.

“The problem is that many parents do not tell their children what is wrong and right,” Ruto observed, emphasizing the need for parents to teach moral values and principles that would help shape their children’s future.

Addressing recent protests that have resulted in destruction of property and attacks on security installations, President Ruto assured Kenyans that the government would protect both public and private property.

“We have said enough is enough for those who want to burn this country,” he declared, promising stern action against those who attacked police and security installations.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen echoed these sentiments, calling on the Judiciary to deal firmly with perpetrators of recent protests that have led to the burning of police stations, looting of businesses, and destruction of property.

Despite the security concerns, the President used the occasion to commission the Etio Dam in Kapteren, Keiyo North Constituency, which has a storage capacity of 160 million litres and will benefit over 8,000 households.

The President also launched construction works on the Tirwane-Tirone Irrigation Development Project, which will put more than 1,000 acres under irrigation and benefit over 25,000 households.

Looking ahead to future elections, Ruto told his competitors he was “ready and prepared to face them when the time comes,” but emphasized that it was now time to serve the people.

He characterized his critics as individuals with no agenda for the nation, saying they have only succeeded in inciting young people to cause chaos and profiling Kenyans on ethnic backgrounds.

The President’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions in the country, with recent protests resulting in casualties and property destruction across various parts of Kenya.