Leaders laud Ruto for steadying country, policy changes

 

A section of leaders from the political divide on Sunday showered President William Ruto with praise for steadying the country and steering it in a positive direction.

The leaders had accompanied the President for a church service at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church Moiben, Uasin Gishu county.

Migori Senator Edwin Oketch in his remarks commended the President saying building a nation wasn't an easy undertaking but he has succeeded in that quest.

While referencing formation of the broad-based government, Oketch said the move was for the best interest of the country.

“Learning from travelling to different communities and outside this country, I have realised that it is very difficult to build a nation and leaders of the nation like yourself can work very hard to build every single great thing, you can build wonderful roads, serious industries, amazing hospitals and wonderful churches and mosques but if there is no peace all that can crumble down,” he said.

Oketch added that the language of unity through the broad-based government is a recipe for Kenya's development.

The senator urged the President to focus on maintaining peace in the country saying that Kenya’s forefathers will be proud.

“I can assure you (President Ruto) that even if you don’t build roads and the economy for our country, but you leave us with a country that is united as one people, this country will stand stronger than any economy in the world,” he said.

The legislator further said that President Ruto has made hard decisions to support development initiatives and building the country.

Oketch assured the President of his support and that of the Orange Democratic Movement for his broad-based government.

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma on his part thanked the President for deciding to work with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Kaluma exuded confidence in the President’s ability to support Raila for the African Union Commission chair position saying he doesn't not foresee and scenario where Raila will fail to clinch the seat.

“Let me thank you very much for supporting our party leader Raila Odinga to be the African Union Commission chairman. We have never known you to fail in anything,” he said.

Kiambaa MP John Kawanjiku said leaders from the Mt Kenya region are fully behind the President and have no intention of being dissuaded from the path.

"If the likes of Kaluma are in government, who are we to say we want to leave and be in out in the forest?" he posed.

He said Central Kenya voted for the President on their own volition and would therefore not be persuaded to withdraw their allegiance.

Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku also thanked the President for uniting the nation through the broad-based government.

He said that Kenyans are happy with his leadership of unity and the peace that is currently prevailing in the country.

The lawmaker called on those bestowed with leadership assignments to pull up their socks lest they be kicked out.

“For those who are in government and may be doubting the capability of the President to make difficult decisions, you better work very hard failure to which an axe will fall on you," he said.

"We have an opportunity to do what is right for Kenyans and you know the President is determined to change this nation for the betterment of the future generation,” he added.

On their part, Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wesley Rotich and Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago commended the President for the shift from the National Health Insurance Fund to the new Social Health Authority.

Rotich and Mandago said the new scheme offers enhanced services that are not only timely but enhanced in terms of scope.

"I know the media is reporting that people have suffered but that was on day one of SHA rollout. The most beautiful thing about SHA is that you can register today and be treated on the spot as opposed to NHIF where you had to wait for two months for cover to be active," he said.

The governor urged Kenyans to register with SHA to be able to reap the benefits as it now covers chronic ailments such as cancer.

"Don't listen to all these negativity and propaganda, the day you fall sick it will be just you and your family. You will sale your land using your title not anyone else's so don't be deceived, register with SHA today."

Mandago echoed his sentiments saying those who are still skeptical about SHA are missing the bigger picture.

"SHA has a lot of benefits than NIHF. Previously, NHIF was only paying for bed but with your Social Health Insurance Fund card, with as low as Sh300 you will undergo all checks and be given medication without paying a cent," he said.

Mandago asked Kenyans to be patient as the teething problems witnessed during the shift from NHIF are addressed.

"As Senate your Excellency, we assure you that we are doing our best to ensure that what needs to be done to ensure SHIF takes off swiftly without any more hitches," he s

by PERPETUA ETYANG