“Peace is Non-Negotiable”: Ruto Promises Safe Elections, Warns Against Violent Protests
Politics Updated: 26 July 2026 16:02 EAT
Photo Courtesy: President William Samoei Ruto speaking during the Consecration of the 4th Bishop of ACK, Katakwa Diocese in Amagoro, Busia
President William Ruto has reiterated his administration's commitment to regional development, peace, and cross-border partnership while speaking during the consecration service of the fourth Bishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Katakwa Diocese, Vitalis Job Ekuru, in Amagoro, Busia County.
Addressing the congregation—which included dignitaries such as Uganda's Vice President Jessica Alupo, ACK Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit, and regional political leaders—President Ruto extended his warm congratulations to the newly consecrated leader. He welcomed Bishop Ekuru into national leadership starting from the Katakwa Diocese, acknowledging the bishop's humor about serving his full 10-year term until his planned retirement in 2037 without a break.
Reflecting on his long-standing friendship and history with the people of Busia and Teso, President Ruto recalled past collaborative efforts to develop infrastructure in the region. He cited major road networks built in partnership with local leaders, such as the Busia-Dongosi-Lukolis-Machakus road and the Malaba-Angurai-Moding route connecting to Bungoma.
Emphasizing a shift away from divisive politics, the President noted that his administration continues to focus on inclusive development across every part of Kenya. He highlighted recently initiated road projects such as Mundere-Seoport-Matos-Funyula and promised to inspect and launch the upcoming 58-kilometer road stretch from Butula to Amukura and Kocholia.
President Ruto also addressed the critical transport corridor linking Kenya to the rest of the East African region. He revealed that following discussions with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, the two nations agreed to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Malaba to streamline cross-border trade and strengthen regional economic foundations.
On highway developments, the Head of State noted ongoing projects stretching from Rironi to Mau Summit, assuring residents that another phase moving up from Malaba through Kimayeti to Bungoma is being organized. He announced that the government has allocated 5 billion KES toward road infrastructure development covering nearly 225 kilometers across Busia County.
Turning to energy access, President Ruto highlighted steps taken to resolve local power supply challenges. He referenced sending Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandai to open a new substation in Malaba and confirmed that 1.3 billion KES has been set aside in the national budget to expand rural electrification across Busia County.
Commercial infrastructure also featured in the President's address, as he provided updates on market modernizations. Following the completion of the Magoro market, construction on the 350 million KES modern market in Malaba is currently underway at 20 to 30 percent completion, forming part of a broader plan to build 19 new markets in Busia to give traders dignified working environments.
To support higher education and youth empowerment, President Ruto highlighted interventions at Alupe University, Alupe KMTC, and local TVET institutions. He announced a 3.6 billion KES allocation dedicated to building student hostels under the Affordable Housing Program to ensure safe, clean, and adequate accommodation for university students.
The President praised the sports talent in the Western region and neighboring Uganda, recognizing its contribution to the country’s international reputation in athletics. He cited the ongoing construction of the 32-Kenya Stadium as a major step toward fostering local sports talent and providing adequate facilities for youth development.
Highlighting the historic partnership between the Church and the State, President Ruto acknowledged the church’s invaluable role in education and healthcare. He underscored that health is a fundamental right for every citizen and outlined government initiatives to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) across all counties.
Updating the public on UHC progress, the President revealed that 32 million Kenyans—including nearly 50 percent of Busia County's population—have registered for the health program. He added that over the past year and a half, 1.25 billion KES has been disbursed directly to support local hospitals in Busia County.
Addressing healthcare workers, President Ruto announced that 7,500 health personnel previously under temporary UHC contracts are being absorbed on permanent and pensionable terms. Additionally, the national government is partnering with county governments to supply up to 1.5 billion KES worth of modern medical equipment to Busia hospitals to lower out-of-pocket costs for residents.
In a major policy announcement regarding health sector financing, the Head of State revealed that the government released 12 billion KES in a single month to clear hospital debts. He noted that under the new Social Health Authority (SHA), funds previously distributed over six months are now being disbursed within a month to improve healthcare service delivery nationwide.
Focusing on national security and stability, President Ruto emphasized that national peace remains non-negotiable. He assured the public that the country will hold peaceful elections in the coming year, warning that the government will strictly enforce the law against criminal elements and individuals attempting to destroy property or disrupt public order under the guise of political protests.
Concluding his address on a personal note, President Ruto responded warmly to a request from the church leadership regarding the cathedral's construction. He committed a personal donation of 10 million KES to assist in completing the ACK Katakwa Diocese cathedral building, pledging to continue working hand in hand with church and political leaders for the region's prosperity.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD