Kenya’s unity is stronger than ethnic divisions
By Daniel Maina
Kenya’s political atmosphere has already shifted toward the 2027 general election, and until a president‑elect is sworn in after the polls, citizens are bracing for another volatile electioneering period. Yet unlike the 2022 campaigns, which were largely shaped by debates on the economy and equity, the early rhetoric ahead of 2027 has taken a troubling turn. Instead of focusing on issues that unite Kenyans, politicians are once again resorting to tribal and ethnic narratives that threaten to reopen wounds the country has worked hard to heal.
Kenya has walked a thorny path in confronting tribalism, striving to build a national identity that transcends ethnic lines. It is therefore disturbing to see hate speech and divisive rhetoric resurfacing across political factions. Even seasoned leaders who witnessed the chaos of 2007 are now among those stoking ethnic tensions. For many Kenyans, memories of that dark period remain vivid. The cries of children who lost parents and the tears of women displaced from their homes are reminders of how quickly reckless words can ignite violence. Thousands still live as refugees within their own country, a painful legacy of political irresponsibility.
Setting communities against one another is the lowest point politics can reach. Accusing a single ethnic group of being responsible for underdevelopment in other regions is not only dishonest but also hypocritical. The same leaders pointing fingers are often those who have mismanaged resources and failed their constituents. Blaming entire communities for the failures of individual leaders is both unjust and dangerous.
Kenya has seen the power of reconciliation before. The 2018 Handshake between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga was controversial, but it undeniably helped heal divisions that had lingered since independence. For a moment, Kenya felt like one family, and tribal affiliations seemed less important. That spirit of unity is what the country needs now, not a return to ethnic suspicion.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), mandated to keep politicians in check, has been conspicuously absent in this debate. Instead of exercising its constitutional powers, the commission appears content with drafting memos and appeasing political egos. If it cannot fulfill its role, Kenyans may rightly question its relevance. Institutions tasked with safeguarding national unity must act decisively, not passively.
Kenya’s position as a regional anchor makes unity even more critical. Neighbouring countries often look to Kenya for refuge during instability, but if Kenya itself burns, there is nowhere to run. The less fortunate will suffer most, while those fueling hate will seek asylum abroad. This reality should compel citizens to resist divisive politics and assert their strength as a nation. Unity is not just a moral imperative; it is a survival strategy.
As the 2027 campaigns gather pace, Kenyans must demand better from their leaders. The country’s future cannot be built on tribal suspicion or ethnic scapegoating. It must be built on shared purpose, accountability, and respect for diversity. Politicians who thrive on division should be rejected, and those who champion unity should be supported. Kenya’s destiny lies not in the hands of tribal entrepreneurs but in the collective will of its people to rise above ethnic differences.
At the end of the day, Kenyans must remember that unity is their greatest asset. The nation has endured hardship before, and it can do so again — but only if citizens refuse to be divided. The call is clear: bury tribal politics, embrace national purpose, and safeguard the country’s future.
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