President Ruto Seeks Prayers Amid DP Impeachment, Touts Social Reforms

President William Ruto has maintained a discreet stance regarding the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

In a Sunday service at the AIC Milimani Church. Ruto solicited prayers from Kenyans as he oversees transformative initiatives such as the Social Health Authority and Affordable Housing programmes. The President revealed that he had negotiated to forgo the ACK church meeting in Embu to attend the 30th-anniversary celebration of the AIC Milimani Church. Speculation suggests that Ruto's decision to cancel his Embu trip was motivated by a desire to avoid an encounter with Gachagua who attended the service and accused his superior of orchestrating the impeachment.

Gachagua is scheduled to face the Senate this week following the overwhelming vote by MPs to impeach him. During a press conference at his Karen residence, Gachagua insinuated Ruto's involvement in the impeachment process, asserting that the motion could not have reached the National Assembly without the President's approval. Despite the escalating political tensions, Ruto has refrained from commenting on the matter, even as his close parliamentary allies advocate for Gachagua's removal. At the Milimani Church, the President instead focused on defending the new health insurance and affordable housing programmes, which he claimed are instrumental in transforming the nation.

He expressed gratitude to faith-based institutions operating hospitals for their partnership with the government and announced that nearly 12.8 million individuals have been enrolled in the new Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme. Ruto emphasizes that the new health scheme aims to provide insurance coverage for all Kenyans, aligning with the biblical principle of uplifting those at the bottom of society. However, concerns have been raised by citizens seeking health services who report being compelled to pay out of pocket due to delays in transitioning to the new health insurance programme.

The President also lauded the Affordable Housing programme for its role in transforming informal settlements and generating employment opportunities. He lauded the significant changes in the Mukuru and Kibera slums, where residents can now become homeowners through monthly payments of Sh 3,000. According to Ruto, the housing initiative seeks to create a more equitable nation and ensure collective progress for all citizens. Ruto also drew attention to the peace and transformation Kenya is experiencing. He further referenced the recent visit of Haiti's Prime Minister, who expressed gratitude for the support provided by Kenyan police officers.

“Today, somebody living in Mukuru for the first time can now not rent but own a house by paying Sh3,000. That is my mission. To make sure we create a nation of equals. Making sure we move together as a nation,” Ruto said.