President Ruto hails unity as key to by-elections success

President William Ruto speaking in Masalani town/STEPHEN ASTARIKO

President William Ruto at Yussuf Haji girls' secondary school.STEPHEN ASTARIKO

President William Ruto has praised the unity within the broad-based government, saying it was the decisive force behind the coalition’s strong performance in the recent by-elections.

The President said the teamwork demonstrated across parties proved that political cohesion remains a powerful tool—one that will continue guiding their approach as the country heads toward the 2027 general election.

He spoke in Masalani town, Ijara sub-county, while attending the wedding of NIS director Noordin Haji’s son, Mohamed Noordin, who married Jamila Mohamed Abdulqadir.

“Those who said that there is strength in unity knew what they were talking about because it is that unity that has given us the victories,” President Ruto said.

“I want to thank all those who played a role in these victories in Baringo, Banisa, Malava, Magarini, Ugunja, and Kasipul. If there was a demonstration of what unity can do, the last by-election has demonstrated exactly that,” he added.

Meanwhile, ODM party leader Oburu Odinga took a swipe at critics who have dismissed the broad-based government, saying the by-election results exposed the weakness of those who doubted the coalition’s strength.

He argued that the results were a clear endorsement of collaborative politics, noting that their unity had shown its strength in the by-elections.

“I want to sincerely thank our brothers from UDA and those from my party, ODM, who in one way or another played a very important role in ensuring that our team emerged victorious. We crashed them at the ballot,” the Siaya Senator said

He also hinted at the possibility of continued cooperation with UDA, suggesting that the spirit of unity witnessed in the by-elections could extend into the 2027 election season.

President Ruto, after the results of the November 27 by-elections were announced, congratulated the winners, saying their victories reflect the strength of national unity.

In a statement, Ruto praised a number of newly elected leaders, allied to the UDA and ODM parties, for their performance at the polls.

“Congratulations, David Ndakwa (Malava), Leonard Wamuthende (Mbeere North), Ahmed Maalim Hassan (Banisa), Vincent Chemitei (Baringo), Moses Omondi (Ugunja), Harrison Kombe (Magarini), and Boyd Were (Kasipul) for your deserved win!” he said.

Ruto said the outcome showed the country is stronger when citizens choose unity. 

“Your victory is a powerful reminder to us that we are bigger and better as a country when we are united,” he said.