Kenya has a simple but painful problem: many people support tribal politics until it hurts them.
When leaders use ethnic language to attack other communities, divide Kenyans into “us and them,” or build political support through regional anger, some people celebrate. They share the messages, defend the leaders, and say it is “strong leadership.” But when the same style of politics is used against them, they suddenly become angry and start talking about unity and fairness.
That is not consistency. That is selective morality.
Watu wa mtu wa chuki, ukabila na kiburi—if you are happy when tribal politics is being used across the country, then you must also be ready when it comes back to your doorstep. You cannot support hate when it benefits you and then complain when it targets you.
The truth is that tribal politics does not stay in one direction. Once it is allowed and normalised, it spreads everywhere. Today it may look like it is protecting your group or your political side. Tomorrow it becomes a weapon used to attack you, your community, and even your own people.
We are already seeing how dangerous this can become. Politics that divides Kenyans into loyalists and traitors, or “true sons” and “enemies,” does not just destroy relations between communities—it also destroys trust within the same community. People begin to see each other as enemies simply because of political opinion.
That is how societies break down slowly.
This is why Kenyans must be honest with themselves. You cannot cheer tribal talk when it suits you and then act shocked when others use the same language against you. If it is wrong, it is wrong everywhere. Not only when it turns painful.
If we truly want a peaceful and united country, then we must stop celebrating leaders who gain power by dividing us. We must start calling out tribal politics early, not after the damage is already done.
Kenya belongs to all of us. And no leader should be allowed to divide us for political gain while we clap for them.
