Senior Kenya Kwanza politicians on Monday accused opposition leaders of promoting divisive politics along tribal and regional lines ahead of next year’s General Election.
Led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, the leaders singled out impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, whose brand of politics, they claimed, risks undermining national unity.
They were addressing thousands of mourners during the burial of Mama Dorothy Baya Mweri, mother of Kilifi North MP and Deputy Majority Leader in the National Assembly, Mr Owen Baya, in Dabaso Ward, Kilifi North Constituency.
Wetang’ula cautioned that unchecked tribal rhetoric could destabilise the country, and urged Kenyans to reject leaders who sow seeds of discord.
He described some opposition figures as “greedy and poisonous individuals” and added: “Let us not wait to be bitten by a snake before looking for a stick. If we delay, we risk damaging our country beyond repair.”
The Speaker emphasised that Kenya belongs to all citizens regardless of background, citing the rise of Alois Lekoru, a former Sergeant-at-Arms from the Elmolo community, as an example of inclusivity.
He urged Coast residents, traditionally aligned with Raila Odinga, to work with President William Ruto in advancing unity, reconciliation, and development.
Wetang’ula said the country’s “Singapore dream” should be understood as improved infrastructure, access to water, quality healthcare, and peaceful coexistence.
He noted that the Coast region was already benefiting from government programmes, including easier access to national identification documents and expanded development projects.
Kingi on his part praised politicians in the Coast region for supporting the Kenya Kwanza administration but urged them to be at the forefront in communicating the development programmes the government is implementing in the region even in the absence of the president.
“Let us not wait until the Ruto comes to the Coast Region for us to speak about the good things he is doing here,” he said adding, “Whether Ruto comes or not, we have a duty to enumerate the government’s achievements.”
He said failure to articulate the government programmes, the leaders risked leaving the electorate behind as they (leaders) support the president.
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah echoed the call, warning residents against embracing tribal politics that could derail progress.
He urged religious leaders to discourage politicians from using church platforms to spread divisive messages.
“We urge the church to help lower political temperatures and correct leaders when they go wrong,” he said.
Ichung’wah also defended the government’s probe into the fuel sector, insisting that President Ruto’s administration must be supported in tackling corruption within the petroleum industry.
Presidential aide Farouk Kibet criticised clerics who allow divisive leaders to use pulpits to spread hate, while Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya urged Coast residents to reject leaders bent on division and instead support unity and development.
He argued that the current administration has delivered more opportunities compared to previous regimes.
South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro called on politicians to refrain from invoking the name of Raila Odinga for political gain, urging respect for his family.
Kilifi North MP Owen Baya eulogised his mother as a devoted parent who instilled strong Christian values in her family.
By Emmanuel Masha
