Ruto: Broad-based government was deliberate, not a mistake

President William Ruto speaks at the Mogonga Market, Bomachoge Borabu Constituency, Kisii County on April 14./PCS

President William Ruto has strongly defended the formation of the broad-based government, insisting it was a calculated move aimed at fostering unity and inclusivity across the country.

Speaking during a public address in Kisii on Tuesday, the Head of State dismissed criticism surrounding the arrangement, saying the decision was intentional and meant to bring Kenyans together across political divides.

"Broad-based government was not a mistake; it was deliberate. It was intentional,” Ruto said.

He explained that the approach was designed to ensure that all Kenyans feel represented in government, regardless of their political affiliation, while also strengthening national cohesion.

The president underscored unity as a key driver of development, warning that divisions have previously slowed progress. He urged citizens to embrace cooperation and collective responsibility to unlock the country’s potential.

“In my equation, I wanted a situation where no Kenyan is left behind,” he said, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusivity.

Ruto further assured residents that his government is focused on equitable distribution of resources, noting that all counties will benefit from ongoing and planned development projects.

He emphasised that no region will be sidelined, regardless of how it voted, and called on leaders at both national and county levels to work together to address the challenges facing wananchi.

According to the President, the broad-based model provides an opportunity for leaders to pool ideas and resources for the benefit of all Kenyans, enhancing service delivery and accelerating growth.

He reiterated that unity and shared purpose are critical to achieving long-term stability and development, urging Kenyans to support the initiative.

Ruto’s remarks come amid ongoing public debate over governance and inclusivity, with the President maintaining that the broad-based government is a strategic step towards building a more united and prosperous nation.

In July 2024, Ruto made a dramatic political move by dissolving his cabinet and announcing plans to form a “broad-based government” in response to rising public anger over punitive taxes and deepening economic hardships.

Though both Ruto an former Prime Minister Raila Odinga then denied entering into a formal coalition, Ruto and Raila said their strategic rapprochement aimed to unite the country and restore public trust amid nationwide, youth-led protests.

Speaking at State House, Nairobi, in June 2025 while hosting a delegation of leaders from Kisumu County, Ruto insisted the unity government was not conceived by either him or Raila.

“The broad-based government is neither a creation of Baba [Raila] nor myself; it is God-sent,” Ruto told the delegation comprising MPs, MCAs, professionals, clergy, and elders.

He said the arrangement was necessary to create the political goodwill required to drive the country’s development agenda, adding: “Transforming a nation is not an easy task.”

Ruto emphasised that meaningful reforms cannot be implemented without broad political support—support he said had now been extended by the opposition.

The formation of the unity government has significantly altered Kenya’s political landscape, blurring the line between opposition and government after several Raila allies were appointed to key cabinet positions.

John Mbadi was named Treasury Cabinet Secretary; former ODM deputy party leader Hassan Joho took over the Mining docket, while Opiyo Wandayi and Wycliffe Oparanya were handed the Energy and MSMEs portfolios respectively—signaling a deepening alliance between the two camps.

On 7 March 2025, Ruto and Raila formalised their pact at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), committing to national consultation and political stability.

The 10-point agreement, among others, outlawed abductions and extrajudicial killings.