Ruto defends move to include opposition figures in gov't

President William Ruto on Sunday toured his South Rift backyard where he continued to defend his move to expand the government to include leaders from the opposition.

The Head of State, who attended a church service at Koiwa African Inland Church (AIC) in Bomet County, said that the broad-based government means well for the country.

"I'm made a deliberate decision unite Kenya and there is not turning back. All right thinking Kenyans should support this," said President Ruto.

He reiterated his government's commitment to fulfill all pledges it made in the run up to the 2022 General Election.

Dr Ruto said Sh46 billion has already been used to connect more than 460,000 people with electricity countrywide.

He at the same time urged Kenyans to register for the Social Health Authority (SHA) for them to access affordable and quality health care.

"We mean business in this universal health coverage. And all Kenyans deserve better health services," said the President, who was accompanied by local leaders.

He said the reforms being undertaken in the tea industry have started paying off, with Sh180 billion being generated from the sector in 2023, with this expected to be Sh210 billion this year 2024.

President Ruto said the subsidized fertiliser programme is already paying off with a pumper harvest being realised in 2023.

He said 1.5 million bags of subsidised fertiliser has already procured for this planting season to boost food production in the county.

He was companied by MPs Mathias Roba (Kuria West), Linet Jepkorir Toto (Bomet County Woman Representative), Brighton Yegon (Konoin), and Bomet Senator Hillary Sigey.

Others included Joseph Cherorot (Kipkelion East), Barongo Nolfason Obadiah (Bomachoge Borabu), Johana Ng'eno of Emurua Dikiir, and Japheth Nyakundi (Kitutu Chache North).

Migori Senator Eddy Oketch lauded President Ruto for his move to include the opposition in government.

"Mr President, you made a good decision. The broad-based government has united the country and lowered the political temperatures," said Mr Oketch.

He thanked President Ruto for supporting ODM leader Raila Odinga's African Union Commission (AUC) Chair bid and expressed optimism that he will clinch the seat.

"Let's build one country. We will support you in every step of the way as you unite the country," said Senator Oketch.

Former Bomet Governor Isaac Rutto condemned the increasing attacks on social media targeted at senior government officials.

"The Presidency should be respected because that's what unites the country," said Mr Rutto.

President Ruto announced that his administration has already released Sh2.3 billion for the completion of Itare dam which will serve Bomet and Kericho counties.