President William Ruto has jokingly questioned whether
some athletes who compete for Uganda are actually Ugandans, as he praised
Kenya's dominance in athletics.
Ruto said Kenya remains a global sporting powerhouse while encouraging Uganda to continue investing in athletics.
The President said the government is constructing 32 stadiums across the country to strengthen sports infrastructure and nurture young talent.
"I was here when we were launching the foundation of a stadium. We are building 32 stadiums across the country because our youths and the country are well known as a sporting nation," Ruto said.
He noted that Uganda has been making gradual progress in athletics before making a light-hearted remark about the nationality of some of its top performers.
"Our brothers from Uganda are nowadays trying on athletics step by step but they are not still there, but we are encouraging them to continue. Sometimes I question myself that those people who win Olympics or other athletics are said to have been from Uganda, are those people really from Uganda or are originally Kenyans who are there or are they our brothers from that side," he said.
Ruto emphasized the close ties between the two
neighboring countries.
"But we are one people and one community, the East African Community."
He spoke on Sunday during the consecration and enthronement of the fourth Bishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Diocese of Katakwa, the Ven. Dr. Vitalis Job Ekuru, in Amagoro, Teso North, Busia County.
Congratulating the new bishop, Ruto wished him success in his ministry and cited 2 Timothy 4:2, urging him to remain steadfast in his calling.
"Congratulations to The Ven. Dr. Vitalis Job Ekuru on this sacred calling. As you begin this important ministry, may you be continually guided by the words of 2 Timothy 4:2: 'Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction.' May God grant you wisdom, humility and strength as you shepherd His people with faithfulness and compassion," he said.
Ekuru succeeds Rt. Reverend John Okude, who retired on February 28, 2026, after attaining the mandatory retirement age.
The Provincial Electoral College elected him the fourth Bishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Katakwa Diocese following a closely contested election.
The 23-member Electoral College signalled the outcome with songs of praise after overwhelmingly electing Ekuru in the second round of voting, ending a stalemate that had lasted for over two hours.
Ekuru defeated fellow contenders Ven. Moses Idewa and Rev. Cain Emojong.
Katakwa Diocese was carved out of Nambale Diocese in 1991. Rt. Rev. Eliud Okiring served as the founding bishop from 1991 to 2006 before handing over to Rt. Rev. Zakayo Epus, who led the diocese from 2006 to 2015. Rt. Rev. John Okude then took over in 2016 and served until his retirement in 2026.
