President William Ruto has continued his call for a united country to increase the chances of developing into a first-world nation.

Speaking on Sunday, October 12, at Africa Inland Church Ziwani, Ruto said he will engage all other leaders to come together.

This includes Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who has been a topic of discussion in recent weeks regarding his importance in the 2027 election.

“I will continue to engage all the leaders until we come together, so that we take this country to be a first-world country in our lifetime because it is possible,” Ruto said.

The Head of State said his efforts to reach out to leaders such as former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Azimio leader Raila Odinga, and KANU chair Gideon Moi are part of his broader agenda to foster inclusivity and national reconciliation.

“I have engaged my brother Uhuru Kenyatta, Raila Odinga and most recently, Gideon Moi on how we are going to move this country from a third-world to a first-world country,” he added.

Outreach to Kalonzo Musyoka

Ruto’s remarks come amid growing speculation about the political significance of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, whose name has recently dominated discussions regarding the 2027 elections.

The President hinted that his unity efforts also extend to Kalonzo, noting that collaboration among all leaders is crucial for Kenya’s progress.

Ruto’s outreach is seen as part of a strategy to build a broad-based coalition ahead of 2027, similar to his previous bipartisan overtures.

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Context: A Pattern of Unity Appeals

This is not the first time President Ruto has made a public appeal for unity.

In July 2024, while attending an interdenominational prayer service in Nyeri, he called for leaders to “put Kenya ahead of politics,” stressing that economic transformation requires political stability.

Similarly, during the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) talks initiated in 2023, Ruto supported bipartisan dialogue with the opposition to address key national issues such as electoral reforms and cost of living.

Ruto’s latest remarks are consistent with his long-term messaging that Kenya’s transformation hinges on collaboration across party lines.

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Vision for a First-World Kenya

The President reiterated his vision of making Kenya a competitive, industrialized nation, citing investments in infrastructure, digital transformation, and education as the foundation for achieving first-world status.

“It is possible for Kenya to become a first-world country if we work together and remain focused,” he said.

Ruto’s unity message continues to strike a reconciliatory tone, echoing his earlier post-election commitment to build a government that works for all Kenyans, regardless of political affiliation.

Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka. PHOTO/ Kenya Insights.