NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto shared a light-hearted moment with Muslim leaders at State House, Nairobi, joking that attempts to convert him from Christianity to Islam would be unsuccessful before using the occasion to underscore the importance of religious harmony and national unity.
Speaking during a meeting with sheikhs and Muslim leaders, the President laughed off reports that some people hoped to persuade him to embrace Islam, saying he had heard plans to “kunisalimisha” but playfully cautioned against trying.
“And you know, do not try. Mimi ni mhubiri sugu sana. Msipochunga, mimi nitawahuburia nikimalizana na kazi ya Urahis na pengine wengine wenu nitawapinduliwa wakuwe wa Christo,” Ruto said, drawing laughter from the audience.
The President quickly steered the conversation toward a broader message of unity, saying leaders should focus on bringing Kenyans together regardless of their religious affiliation.
“Niunganishe Wakenya wote, tuweke usawa. Niko tayari mnifanyie mtihani mwaka ujao,” he said.
Ruto emphasised that Christians and Muslims share a common belief in God and should work together to foster peace, equality and mutual respect.
“Nyinyi ni ndugu zetu… uzuri, mimi natambua dini ya kiislamu ni kwamba mnaamini Mungu,” he told the gathering.
The Head of State added that no one is perfect and stressed that faith in God is a unifying factor among believers.
“Binadamu hawezi kua mkamilifu. Bila ya kuamini Mungu, and that is where we are all of us, and we are equal,” he said.
The remarks were made during an engagement with Muslim leaders at State House as the President continued consultations with various religious and community groups on national issues.
