Ruto Warns Against Politics of Division, Calls for Issue-Based Leadership
The President made comments suggesting a sustained strident path towards a political culture driven by solutions, accountability and national cohesion.
President William Ruto. Photo/Courtesy
By Rahab Gati
President William Samoei Ruto has issued a strong warning against what he described as politics rooted in hatred and division, saying that absent a clear development agenda, such leaders often fan flames of hatred to remain relevant in politics.
At the launch of the Nyota Project, the President remarked that Kenya’s greatest challenge is not shortage of resources but lack of foresight by some leaders who choose to polarise the country instead of providing practical solutions to issues affecting the very populace. Politics cloaked in anger, ethnic strife, and constant confrontation only slow national development and thereby hurt common Kenyans.
The Head of State urged leaders across the political divide to lift their sights above narrow personal interests or party-political considerations in favour of issue-based leadership with actual focus on the people. In this regard, priority should be placed on key areas like education, creation of jobs and empowerment, which translate directly to the livelihoods and stability of the nation.
President Ruto cautioned the youth against falling into the trap of sectarian politics, as politicians without a coherent agenda most often use them as vehicles for spreading hatred and chaos. The President challenged the youth to stay alert and demand leadership based on ideas and measurable impact.
“When a leader has no agenda, they sell hatred,” the President said,
urging that responsible leadership must be based on policies and measures for the improvement of people’s lives rather than slogans that divide communities.
He sighted the Nyota Project as a clear example of agenda-focused leadership, indicating that it is a project of the Government committed to actual results instead of political noise. The President said that investing in education, skills training and youth entrepreneurship would best secure the future of a country and reduce political tension.
President Ruto stated that the same economic and social empowerment of youth targets the addresses of the root causes of frustration that often find expression in unrest and divisive politics. He said that programs like Nyota are intended to create opportunities, ensure self-reliance, and promote inclusion throughout the country.
The President also pleaded with all Kenyans to judge their leaders from what they do and the impact their policies have rather than by how loud they speak or how emotionally charging their speeches are. He reiterated that unity, peace and development must remain a centerpiece of Kenya’s democratic journey.
Moving ahead into future political contests, the President made comments suggesting a sustained strident path towards a political culture driven by solutions, accountability and national cohesion. The Nyota Project, according to him, stands as a benchmark for leadership based on vision and service rather than division and hostility.
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