President William Ruto speaks during a service at the Full Gospel Church in Gatunduri, Embu County on July 5, 2026/PCS
President William Ruto has criticised leaders he accused of using abusive language and ethnic rhetoric to divide Kenyans, saying his administration will not allow tribal politics to take root in the country.
Speaking on Sunday during a church service in Embu County, the President urged Kenyans to reject leaders who thrive on insults and division, saying the country’s progress depends on unity and development rather than political hostility.
Ruto said leaders should be judged by the work they do and the impact of their policies on the lives of citizens instead of inflammatory political statements.
“I will not allow tribal politics to thrive in Kenya,” the President said.
He said the country’s leadership should remain focused on improving the lives of wananchi through development programmes rather than engaging in politics that pits one community against another.
The President maintained that his administration would continue implementing projects across the country without discrimination, saying every part of Kenya deserved equal opportunities for development.
Ruto said Kenyans should evaluate leaders based on their ability to deliver tangible results rather than their political rhetoric.
He argued that meaningful leadership is demonstrated through improved infrastructure, access to healthcare, economic opportunities and other development initiatives that directly benefit citizens.
The President defended his administration’s development record, saying the government remained focused on delivering its commitments despite political criticism from its opponents.
He urged leaders to embrace respectful political engagement and avoid language that could fuel divisions among communities.
According to Ruto, politics should be used to unite the country and offer solutions to the challenges facing Kenyans rather than creating unnecessary tension.
The President said national unity remains critical to achieving the country’s development agenda, adding that political competition should not come at the expense of peaceful coexistence among Kenyans.
He reiterated that his administration would continue prioritising programmes aimed at improving livelihoods, insisting that development should remain the central focus of leadership.
Ruto’s remarks come amid heightened political activity as leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, with rival political camps intensifying campaigns and public engagements across the country.
The President has consistently defended his administration’s performance, maintaining that Kenyans should assess leaders based on the projects they deliver rather than political slogans or personal attacks.
He called on wananchi to remain united and support leaders committed to transforming the country through development, saying divisive politics had no place in Kenya’s future.
