President William Ruto has given Kenyans his word that the next General Election will be peaceful, free, fair, and secure.
The President was speaking on Sunday during the consecration of Dr. Vitalis Ekuru as the fourth Bishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya's Katakwa Diocese. The event was held at Amagoro Comprehensive School Grounds in Teso North Constituency, Busia County.
President Ruto said the government has put in place comprehensive measures, especially in the security sector, to ensure the electoral process is credible and orderly.
He assured Kenyans that security agencies are fully prepared to protect lives and property during the election period.
"Elections come and go. This nation must remain firm, united and stable. Therefore, we are going to do everything possible to make sure that this nation is stable," the President said.
The Head of State also had strong words for those engaging in violence and destruction. He said the government will no longer tolerate criminality disguised as peaceful protests.
According to Ruto, some individuals who took advantage of the constitutional right to demonstrate have now graduated from protesters to goons.
"We were lenient with those who were demonstrating, causing chaos, looting and burning property because we said they are our children.
But we've seen how damaging that is. They have now graduated from protesters to goons. We have vowed to deal with all goons," Ruto declared.
The President also called for political tolerance, saying every leader should be allowed to campaign freely and present their vision to Kenyans without intimidation.
"Let those with an agenda sell it to Kenyans. Even those without an agenda, plan or vision should be allowed to speak. However, all of us must maintain peace while doing so," he said.
Archbishop Ole Sapit Calls for Unity
Also addressing the congregation, Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya, Most Rev. Dr. Jackson Ole Sapit, urged both leaders and citizens to uphold peace and foster national unity.
The Archbishop warned political leaders against reckless political rhetoric, saying careless speeches could threaten Kenya's peace as the country heads to the polls.
"I now want to urge all of us in the nation that in this year, when we are gearing towards election, let us all be peaceable," Sapit said. "We are one Kenya. We don't have spare parts of this country. It is one nation. Let us build it together."
He reminded Kenyans that the country has no alternative homeland and urged leaders to place national unity above political competition. "We have no other country if we destroy our nation," he warned.
The Archbishop also cautioned that words can be dangerous, saying tongues are "the very matchbox that can ignite sparks in our nation," and urged everyone to speak responsibly.
The consecration ceremony was attended by Uganda's Vice President Jessica Alupo, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and several governors including Paul Otuoma (Busia), Ken Lusaka (Bungoma) and Fernandes Barasa (Kakamega).
Bishop Vitalis Ekuru takes over from Rt. Reverend John Okude, who retired on February 28, 2026, after reaching the church's mandatory retirement age. The Katakwa Diocese serves Busia, Bungoma and parts of Trans Nzoia counties.
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