NAIROBI, Kenya —President William Ruto has broken his silence following the United Democratic Alliance (UDA)’s defeat in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, calling on leaders to put politics aside, reject ethnic divisions, and focus on delivering development to Kenyans.
Speaking during a meeting with grassroots leaders from Bungoma County led by Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa at State House, Nairobi, on Friday, the President said elections are temporary but the country’s unity must remain permanent.
“There will be Kenya after the election, and we must live together as brothers and sisters of one nation,” Ruto said.
The President cautioned politicians against using ethnicity to divide the country, saying leaders should instead prioritize improving the lives of citizens.
“Once an election is over, we must remember that this country belongs to all of us,” he said.
Ruto congratulates Ol Kalou MP-elect
Without dwelling on the outcome of Thursday’s by-election, Ruto extended an olive branch to Ol Kalou MP-elect Sammy Kamau Waweru, urging him to shift from campaigns to service delivery.
“I want to tell all leaders, including the Member of Parliament who was elected yesterday in Ol Kalou, that now that we have been elected, it is time to get to work,” the President said.
He noted that elected leaders would ultimately be judged by their performance and the impact they make on the lives of the people ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“The people are intelligent. They know that every leader must have a track record, must have a vision, and must have a plan so that we can all work together to transform our country, Kenya,” he added.
Warns against ethnic politics
The Head of State criticized leaders he accused of advancing tribal politics instead of presenting policies and development plans.
“They want to unite people along tribal lines. Do not accept people who want to divide us on the basis of ethnicity. They are not the kind of leaders we need.”
He added:
“They have no plan. Do they have policies? They have none. That is foolish politics.”
Government development agenda
Ruto reiterated that his administration remains committed to equitable development across the country, insisting that no region would be left behind.
He highlighted ongoing government investments in Bungoma County, including an 18,000-unit affordable housing smart city project valued at Sh30 billion, 15 modern markets, student hostels and an upcoming Level Six hospital funded at Sh8 billion.
The President also announced that the Rironi–Mau Summit highway project would be extended to Eldoret, Bungoma and the Malaba border to improve regional connectivity and boost trade.
On agriculture, Ruto said reforms in the sugar sector had improved payments to farmers and factory workers.
He also defended the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying the programme had already registered 32 million Kenyans and was helping more citizens access healthcare.
“When you go to villages, there are testimonies of people whose medical bills have been paid for by SHA,” he said.
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa praised the government’s healthcare reforms, arguing that SHA was performing better than the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Speaking on behalf of professionals from Bungoma County, Flora Fedha pointed to the ongoing Rironi–Mau Summit road project as evidence of the government’s commitment to infrastructure development.
“Whether they like it or not, they will recognise you for your work,” she said.