President William Ruto speaking during a meeting with grassroots leaders from Bungoma County led by Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa at State House, Nairobi, on July 17, 2026/ PCS
President William Ruto has urged Kenyans not to allow elections to divide the country, saying political contests are temporary but national unity must endure.
Speaking during a meeting with grassroots leaders from Bungoma County led by Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa at State House, Nairobi, on Friday, the President said elections should never be treated as a matter of life and death.
"There will be Kenya after the election, and we must live together as brothers and sisters of one nation," Ruto said.
He cautioned politicians against dividing Kenyans along ethnic lines, urging leaders to promote national cohesion and focus on improving the lives of citizens instead of engaging in divisive politics.
"Once an election is over, we must remember that this country belongs to all of us," he said.
The President also reminded leaders, including newly elected Ol Kalou MP Sammy Kamau Waweru, that they would ultimately be judged by their development record rather than political rhetoric.
"The most important thing is to ensure that the lives of the people who vote for us improve," he said.
Ruto said Kenya's transformation would only be achieved through sustained investment in development projects and called on citizens to support leaders with practical plans for economic growth.
"We want to take this country forward," he said.
He reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring equitable development across the country, saying no region would be left behind.
"We have the means to transform every part of Kenya," the President said.
Highlighting projects in Bungoma County, Ruto said the government had invested Sh30 billion in affordable housing, including an 18,000-unit smart city in Bungoma town, as well as 15 modern markets and hostels.
He added that the government had secured Sh8 billion for the construction of a Level 6 hospital in Bungoma to improve access to quality healthcare.
The President further announced that the Rironi-Mau Summit road project would be extended to Eldoret, Bungoma and the Malaba border to improve transport and unlock the region's economic potential.
On agriculture, Ruto said reforms in the sugar sector had improved payments to both farmers and factory workers.
He also defended the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying the scheme had registered 32 million Kenyans and was helping more citizens access healthcare.
"When you go to villages, there are testimonies of people whose medical bills have been paid for by SHA," he said.
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa said SHA was performing better than the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), adding that residents of Bungoma appreciated the government's development agenda.
Speaking on behalf of professionals in the delegation, Flora Fedha cited the ongoing construction of the Rironi-Mau Summit road as evidence of the government's commitment to infrastructure development.
"Whether they like it or not, they will recognise you for your work," she said.
