He assured the country and the world that the Jubilee government would begin work immediately to build bridges between those who voted for them and those who voted for rival coalitions.
Dispelling fears of a big divide the Deputy President said history has shown Kenyans have a way of addressing issues perceived as divisive.
“There are people who are worried about the divisions between the six million plus of those who voted for Jubilee and the five million plus who voted for other candidates. But Kenyans have a way of doing their things,” Ruto said.
The country’s number two in command enumerated the events of 2002, 2007 and this year when communities defied long held stereotypes to vote for other communities, saying this was a manifestation that the country is ready to move forward.
“In 2002, many people did not believe it was possible for people from Nyanza to vote for Kibaki, they voted almost to a man for him. In 2007, many people did not believe Rift Valley would vote for Raila Odinga, they did it almost to a man. In 2013, many people did not believe that Kalenjins would vote for Uhuru, they indeed voted almost to a man,” he said.
Speaking at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, shortly after taking oath of office, Ruto said the Jubilee government faces the task of uniting Kenyans.
Opposed
“I am confident that we will pull together and work on the pertinent issues regardless of race, religion regardless of how they voted,” he said.
Ruto becomes the first Deputy President since his predecessors were Vice Presidents, appointed and served at the mercy of the President.
“We know that we have the confidence of the people of Kenya, we want to undertake that the critical primary responsibility is to grow this economy by double digits. There is no reason our economy in five years should not be growing in double digits,” he added.
- The Standard
