Ruto calls for unity, drums up support for Raila at EAC Games

President William Ruto and his deputy Kithure Kindiki on Saturday used sports forums to drum up their message of unity and push for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's candidature in the African Union Commission chairmanship election slated for February 2025.

Dr Ruto is backing Mr Odinga, a former bitter rival turned friend, for the top job at the African Union. And on Saturday, he used the opening of the East African Inter-Parliamentary Games in Mombasa County to campaign for him.

“It is time for Africa to produce a leader, and I ask you as EAC to stand united behind Raila Amollo Odinga,” Dr Ruto told the East African Community (EAC) MPs as he officially opened the games.

The Kenyan government has embarked on shuttle diplomacy to campaign for Mr Odinga, led by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei and Elkanah Odembo, Kenya's former ambassador to the United States.

Dr Ruto also took the opportunity to highlight the role of sport in fostering unity, strengthening regional ties and accelerating integration across the bloc.

The event featured speeches from various dignitaries who all echoed the theme of unity and cooperation, including Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and his National Assembly counterpart Moses Wetang'ula, who described sport as a unifier.

Mr Nassir welcomed participants to the city, advocating for an open skies policy and promoting Mombasa as a regional hub.

President Ruto, in his capacity as EAC Chairperson and presiding over his first event, wished a speedy recovery to the Tanzanian delegates who were involved in an accident near Dodoma on their way to the Games. Sixteen MPs, two parliamentary officials and the bus driver were injured.

"We are very sorry for our delegates from Tanzania. The accident was an unfortunate event, but we stand with you,” he said.

He also highlighted the transformative potential of the Games in uniting the EAC, noting that their significance goes beyond sports.

“These Games provide an excellent bond of solidarity as neighbours and partners. Together, we will deepen, widen, and tighten our bonds of friendship,” Dr Ruto remarked.

He outlined Kenya’s commitment to regional infrastructure projects to promote integration, including the dualling of the Malindi-Bagamoyo road and the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

“If Africa is to unite for trade and enterprise, the engine will be in the EAC,” he said, calling for collective efforts towards regional prosperity.

Mr Ruto linked the Games to Africa’s broader aspirations.

"Together as East Africans, we will provide the leadership that Africa desires. Sports brings significance to cities like Mombasa and builds stronger connections,” he said.

Kilometres away in Uasin Gishu County, Prof Kindiki used another sports forum to call on Kenyans to use sports to fight tribalism and promote unity and national cohesion.

Prof Kindiki commended The Great Chepsaita Cross Country for investing in education to ensure that many children are educated, which also contributes to national cohesion.

He said athletics and other sports are the best medicine to fight tribalism and promote national cohesion.

"Sports is the best medicine to enhance unity in our country and fight tribalism," Prof Kindiki said at the closing ceremony.

He, however, warned athletes against the use of drugs, describing doping as the biggest enemy in athletics.