By REUBEN OLITA
July 27, 2926| President William Ruto has declared that peace is non-negotiable as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election, urging leaders and citizens to safeguard national unity and stability .
Speaking on Sunday during the consecration and enthronement of the fourth Bishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Katakwa Diocese, Ven. Dr. Vitalis J. Ekuru, at Amagoro Comprehensive School in Teso North, Busia County, the President assured Kenyans that next year’s elections would be conducted peacefully .
“Elections come and go, but this nation must remain united and stable,” President Ruto said . He condemned violence and criminal activities witnessed during previous demonstrations, saying those responsible for burning property and engaging in acts of lawlessness should face the full force of the law .
“These goons should be dealt with thoroughly. We cannot allow such elements to destroy the peace of the country. Development and unity are the two pillars of our commitment,” he said .
Ruto’s remarks followed comments by Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit, who urged Kenyans to avoid actions that could cause mayhem. “We have only one Kenya. We don’t have spare parts of our country called Kenya. We should be careful. Avoid fracas that may cause mayhem in our country because we have no place to run,” Ole Sapit said .
To support local development, President Ruto pledged KSh10 million towards the completion of a sub-parish church whose construction has stalled since 1991. He also promised to assist Teso North MP Oku Kaunya in constructing 10 classrooms at Amagoro Comprehensive School in appreciation for hosting the consecration ceremony .
The President announced that he would return to Busia next month to launch the construction of the 58-kilometre Butula–Nambale–Amukura–Kocholia Road and the Amukura–Machakusi Road. He added that works on the Rironi–Mau Summit Highway and the Malaba section would begin simultaneously. He also noted that Malaba had received a new electricity substation to boost power supply .
Ugandan Vice President Jessica Alupo praised the East African Community and the African Union for promoting regional integration and reducing the impact of colonial boundaries. She also thanked President Ruto for supporting the planned Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension from Malaba to Kampala and the proposed cross-border road linking Kitale and Bukwa .
On his way back to Nairobi, President Ruto addressed residents at Amagoro Trading Centre, where he criticised the opposition, saying his administration remained focused on stabilising the economy, revitalising agriculture, improving education, expanding industrialisation, and creating employment opportunities for young people .