President Ruto has used the sanctuary of the church to launch a crusade against the tribal politics threatening to divide the nation.

Speaking from the altar at a church service in Nairobi, President William Ruto delivered a passionate sermon on national unity, urging Kenyans to reject the toxic allure of ethnic mobilization. In a pointed address, the Head of State called on the electorate to judge their leaders solely by the content of their character and the quality of their delivery, rather than their surname, religion, or physical appearance.

The Broad-Based Defense

The President’s remarks come against a backdrop of rising political temperatures and accusations of ethnic favoritism in government appointments. Ruto defended his "broad-based" government, arguing that his administration reflects the face of Kenya more than any before it. "We don't want tribal or discriminative politics," he asserted. "My cabinet and my appointments are a testament to our commitment to unite this country beyond the narrow prisms of ethnicity."

He challenged the congregation to look at the tangible development projects rolled out across the country—roads, dams, and the hustler fund—as the true measure of his government's success. The President's rhetoric seeks to shift the national conversation from identity politics to performance-based legitimacy, a critical pivot as he eyes the consolidation of his support base ahead of future political contests.

• The Four Pillars: Ruto reiterated his commitment to his administration's core pillars: healthcare, housing, agriculture, and the digital superhighway.
• Nairobi Transformation: He specifically highlighted plans to transform Nairobi into a "motorable city" and solve the perennial garbage crisis.
• Unity Call: The President condemned recent incidents of violence in places of worship, terming them "shameful" and "retrogressive."

A Warning to Detractors

The speech was also a veiled warning to political rivals who have been organizing around regional and ethnic blocs. By framing tribalism as an enemy of progress, Ruto is attempting to delegitimize opposition movements that rely on ethnic consolidation. He urged the clergy to pray for the nation's unity and to hold leaders accountable for their words and actions.

However, critics point out the gap between the President's unifying rhetoric and the reality of his administration's composition. The challenge for Ruto remains proving to the "mwananchi" that his "National Cake" is indeed being shared equally, and that his call for unity is more than just a political strategy to silence dissent.

"Let us work hard to unite all Kenyans," he concluded. "We aspire to create a prosperous Kenya for all, where every child, regardless of where they are born, has a fair shot at the Kenyan dream."