President William Ruto shared a humorous exchange with Muslim leaders at State House, Nairobi, addressing rumours that some sought to convert him from Christianity to Islam.
During the meeting with sheikhs, Ruto laughed off the reports, saying he had heard of plans to "kunisalimisha" but warned playfully against the attempt. He said, "Mimi ni mhubiri sugu sana. Msipochunga, mimi nitawahuburia nikimalizana na kazi ya urais, na pengine wengine wenu nitawapinduwa wakuwe wa Christo," eliciting laughter from those present.
Message of National Unity
The President quickly shifted focus to promote unity, stressing that religion and ethnic background should not divide Kenyans.
"Hakuna tofauti ya mkiristu na muislamu, hakuna tofauti ya mtu wa North Eastern, Eldoret na mtu wa Kiambu, sote ni watu moja, tunatambulika sawasawa chini ya katiba ya Taifa letu la Kenya," he stated.
Ruto also highlighted equal treatment for children from all regions, including Northern Kenya, Wajir, and Lamu, when applying for national identity cards.
Supporting Muslim Pilgrims
The President addressed concerns raised by Muslim leaders regarding difficulties faced by Kenyan pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj.
He acknowledged the previous lack of a Kenyan consulate in Saudi Arabia to assist pilgrims and announced that his administration had opened a consulate to provide support.
"Leo tumefungua consulate, tuko na consular general na vile mmesema hapa, safari ya kwenda kwa maombi, sasa inaendelea bila matatizo," Ruto said.
Shared Faith and Equality
Emphasizing common ground, Ruto noted that both Christians and Muslims believe in God and urged Kenyans to embrace their shared humanity.
"Nyinyi ni ndugu zetu... uzuri, mimi natambua dini ya kiislamu ni kwamba mnaamini Mungu," he remarked, adding, "Binadamu hawezi kua mkamilifu. Bila ya kuamini Mungu, and that is where we are all of us, and we are equal."
