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Irene Githinji @gitshee

Deputy President William Ruto yesterday called on Kenyans to support government’s  efforts to mitigate the coronavirus pandemic.

He assured President Uhuru Kenyatta of his support in eradicating the respiratory disease, saying every Kenyan should be part of the big army addressing the pandemic.

“As a people, we are confident that under your leadership, the government will take necessary decisions.

I am calling on leaders across the divide and all Kenyans to work with the government to make sure we mitigate and minimise effects of the pandemic,” said Ruto,.

Speaking during the 57^th Madaraka Day celebrations at State House, Nairobi yesterday, Ruto said Kenya had to work out a new normal owing to the disruptions occasioned by the virus as the government worked towards opening up the economy.

“ Let us work out the new normal because it looks obvious there will be a new normal.

It is not if, it is an imperative and if we can fashion that new normal, then we can move into the phase of ensuring we deal with effects on how to open schools, businesses, support for SMEs and opening up places of worship,” he said.

The Deputy President said Kenyans were confident that under Uhuru’s leadership, they would move into the future having overcome the challenges.

“Kenyans are praying for you, the government and nation. Many spiritual leaders across this land are praying, in fact the pandemic has made everyone realise our inadequacy and what God can do,” he said.

Ruto said this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations were unique, coming at a time when schools are closed, places of worship are shut, millions of Kenyans have had to leave work and lives as a nation and global community has been turned upside down.

“We have had a journey of 57 years and governments have had to grapple with tough decisions when faced with challenges but in no generation, no government has experienced the kind of challenge Covid-19 pandemic has caused to our country,” Ruto said.

He lauded Kenyans for the positive response when the President called the nation to action against the disease.

“ Every Kenyan stepped forward and we have really changed. Millions are now sanitising and cleaning their hands, wearing masks, and keeping social distance and supported your interventions as you mobilised government to provide guidelines to fight this disease,” said Ruto.

He expressed confidence that Kenya will emerge victorious post coronavirus.

His appearance at the event caught Kenyans by surprise amid speculation that his relations with the President had gone cold.