Nairobi — Deputy President William Ruto has urged leaders to shun divisive politics and focus on creating unity among Kenyans.
Speaking at the Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa County during Mashujaa Day celebrations on Sunday, Ruto reiterated that there can never be development in a country where people are divided on ethnic basis.
"I want to ask all of us to refuse to be drawn into the politics of ethnicity, hatred, division and political deceit and stand firm behind President Uhuru Kenyatta so that we can unify this country and concentrate on the transformation of Kenya," Ruto said
He further stated that the government is focused on creating jobs as part of measures to tackle the high rate of unemployment in the country.
"We must deal with poverty and unemployment and your Excellency the framework you have set under the Big Four plan is actually the framework that will tackle those two challenges. The millions of young people who are undergoing training today will form a big army of young people who will drive your big four plan," Ruto said.
The DP lauded the President for what he termed as his transformative leadership that has brought about development across the country including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and tarmacking of roads in different parts of the country.
While acknowledging Kenyatta as a hero, the DP further called upon all leaders to put the interest of the public first and lead by example by fulfilling what they promised to the people who put them in leadership positions.
This year's Mashujaa Day was celebrated in Mombasa for the first time.
Thousands of Kenyans and other guests graced the occasion where they were entertained by the Kenya Navy which for the first time conducted the National Salute.