Ruto: It’s my responsibility to unite everyone, even 'cousins'

President William Ruto has said that he desires and plans to preach unity among Kenyans to be one nation.

The President said that just as the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) is one, Kenyans too should embrace unity.

Speaking on Tuesday when he met AIPCA leaders at State House, Ruto humorously added that he will make sure he unites Kenyans, even ‘cousins’.

The crowd burst out with laughter, relating the term ‘cousin’ to what has been recently trending.

This is after the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua coined the word “Cousin” while addressing crowds during a campaign blitz along the Coast with other opposition leaders.

The term, a playful twist on “cousin,” took X (formerly Twitter) by storm.

“The way AIPCA has united and become one, and God blessed them now they are a big Church, is the same way as the President of this country, my desire and plans are to unite Kenya to become one,” the President said.

“It is my responsibility as the leader of this nation to unite everyone, brothers, cousins, neighbours and enemies. All of them. I will unite them to be one nation.”

In his speech, Gachagua likened the new political alliance, featuring Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and DAP-K boss Eugene Wamalwa, to a family reunion.

That now-viral “Hi cousins” moment took a life of its own online.

Kenyans embraced “Cuzo” in memes, captions, and street talk.

It became a cheeky way to refer to friends, political allies, or just about anyone, especially when talking about unity, common interests, or humour.

In videos, some sign off with “Hi cousins,” while others caption group photos with “Hi cousins.”

On Monday, Ruto hosted over 600 AIPCA leaders at State House.

Ruto said all Kenyans must work together to unite the nation and reject any attempts to divide it along tribal lines.

“Let us stay focused on our shared development aspirations, which promise inclusive growth for all,” he said.

He said the government remains committed to working with leaders across the political spectrum to confront the challenges facing Kenyans and to implement programmes and projects that fast-track our country’s socio-economic transformation.