As we approach the 2027 elections, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: the politics of division still haunt us. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua seems intent on reducing national politics into a tribal chess game, focusing narrowly on Mt. Kenya rather than embracing the broader Kenyan project. This is dangerous for our democracy.
When leaders elevate tribe over nation, they sow seeds of resentment. By presenting Kikuyus as a community in isolation and framing their future in opposition to other groups, Gachagua risks reigniting historical wounds and stoking suspicion among Kenyans. Such rhetoric may win short-term applause at village barazas, but it erodes the very foundation of our country — national cohesion.
Kenya is a diverse nation. Our greatest strength has always been in recognizing that despite our ethnic differences, we are bound by common struggles and shared aspirations. Every time a politician narrows that vision to “our people versus their people,” we all lose. Jobs, healthcare, infrastructure, and security do not ask about tribe. Poverty cuts across all communities. The youth from Kisii, Turkana, Coast, and Nyeri share the same frustrations. Leadership, therefore, must speak to all Kenyans, not just one ethnic bloc.
Gachagua’s tribal framing also weakens Mt. Kenya itself. By presenting the region as inward-looking, he isolates it from broader alliances, reducing its bargaining power. True strength for Mt. Kenya lies not in retreating into tribal cocoons but in building bridges with other communities.
We must demand more from those who seek to lead us. Kenya does not need politicians who thrive on division; it needs statesmen who understand that unity is the fuel of progress. Our collective future depends on rejecting leaders who pit communities against one another.
It is time to rise above narrow tribal politics. Kenya deserves leaders who can champion inclusivity, foster cohesion, and deliver development for all. Anything less is betrayal.
