President William Ruto has again defended the idea of a broad-based government, saying bringing in leaders who were previously in the opposition was done in the best interest of the country.
While addressing UDA grassroots leaders in Nyeri on Saturday, January 17, Ruto said the move was aimed at fostering national unity and ensuring all Kenyans are involved in building the nation.
He emphasized that the cooperation with ODM was not meant to sideline Mt Kenya or any other region.
The president was responding to claims by former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, who has accused him of betraying Mt Kenya by working with leaders who did not back him in the 2022 elections.
Ruto insisted that his priority is to unite the entire country and ensure every region plays a role in Kenya’s progress.
He further praised Mt Kenya for embracing inclusivity and rejecting tribal politics, noting that his relationship with the region goes back many years.
Appearing to counter Gachagua’s assertion that he introduced him to Mt Kenya, Ruto said he began engaging with the region during his time as Agriculture Cabinet Minister under the late President Mwai Kibaki and later as Deputy President during Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration.
Ruto added that the support he has consistently received from Mt Kenya voters is proof that the region considers him a trusted ally.