Kenya’s President Ruto Calls for Unity and Apologizes to Neighboring Countries
In a heartfelt speech at the annual National Prayer Breakfast in Nairobi, President William Ruto urged Kenyans to foster a spirit of tolerance and understanding towards one another and their neighbors. He emphasized the importance of rebuilding broken relationships within and across borders, stating that this would ultimately make Kenya a stronger nation. The President’s message was clear: "We want to build relationships that will make our country great."
In a significant gesture, President Ruto apologized to the leadership and citizens of neighboring Tanzania and Uganda for any wrongs that Kenyans may have committed against them. "To our neighbors from Tanzania, if we have wronged you in any way, forgive us. Our friends from Uganda, if there’s anything that Kenyans have done that is not right, we want to apologize," he said. This apology was a powerful demonstration of the President’s commitment to regional harmony and cooperation.
The President also extended an apology to the Kenyan youth for any mistakes the government may have made against them. "To our children, if there is a misstep that we have done, we apologize," he said. This acknowledgment of potential wrongdoing and willingness to make amends is a significant step towards healing and reconciliation.
On the economic front, President Ruto reported that Kenya’s economy has made a remarkable recovery from the brink of collapse just two years ago. He attributed this turnaround to his administration’s efforts, stating that "many had given up on Kenya’s economy, including our international partners who were expecting us to default on our debt obligations. But I assured them that this would not happen under my watch." The President highlighted several key indicators of economic growth, including a 5% average growth rate, a significant drop in inflation, and a stable exchange rate.
The government’s progress in fulfilling its promises to citizens was also a major theme of the President’s speech. He cited the Affordable Housing Programme, which has already provided new homes to over 1,000 families, and the Universal Healthcare Coverage, which has expanded access to quality healthcare for millions of Kenyans. The President also noted that reforms in the education sector have saved public universities from financial collapse and that agricultural reforms have led to increased food production and higher earnings for farmers.
As President Ruto concluded his speech, he emphasized that these achievements are just a few examples of how Kenya is answering the call to "Arise and Rebuild." With a renewed focus on unity, economic growth, and social progress, Kenya is poised for a brighter future. The President’s message of hope and reconciliation is a powerful reminder of the importance of working together to build a stronger, more prosperous nation.