President Ruto tells off detractors over cross-party cabinet picks
The President said the government belongs to all citizens, including those who did not support him in the last election.
President William Ruto has responded to growing criticism over his decision to appoint opposition leaders to top government positions, saying his Cabinet reflects inclusivity and not political loyalty.
Speaking during a tour of Homa Bay County, the President said the government belongs to all citizens, including those who did not support him in the last election.
He singled out John Mbadi and Opiyo Wandayi, who were named to the Treasury and Energy ministries, saying some people are unhappy because the two are members of the ODM party.
But Ruto maintained that such appointments were necessary to unite the country and ensure fairness in service delivery.
"Some people are angry with me because I appointed Mbadi as Treasury Cabinet Secretary and Opiyo Wandayi as Energy Cabinet Secretary, because they did not vote for me. I have told them that the government of Kenya is for all citizens," Ruto said.
"Those who voted for me and those who did not. It is for all Kenyans who pay taxes."
The President has been working with senior leaders from the ODM party, which is headed by his main rival in the 2022 elections, Raila Odinga.
He described this cooperation as a broad-based approach that includes several ODM members in key government roles.
Currently, at least five Cabinet Secretaries are drawn from the ODM party.
These include Hassan Joho, who heads the Mining docket, Wycliffe Oparanya in Cooperatives, and Beatrice Askul in charge of ASAL.
Ruto used the opportunity to call out his political opponents ahead of the 2027 general election, accusing them of lacking a clear plan for the country.
He challenged them to focus on development ideas instead of tribal politics or spreading anger and division.
"They must not think they can sell us anger, tribalism, hatred, and divisions. These will not determine the next election," he told the opposition during his address in Rongo, Homa Bay.
He said Kenyans will choose their leaders based on performance and ideas, not emotions or identity. Ruto insisted that his administration will remain focused on delivering basic services to all regions.
"You are the people who will decide who becomes MCA, MP, Senator, Governor, and President, not based on beauty, but on development plans for roads, electricity, water, and more," Ruto said.