Kilifi: 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.
According to Kenya News Agency, the accusations were led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, who singled out impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka. They claimed that the opposition’s style of politics risks undermining national unity. The leaders 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 destabilize the country and urged Kenyans to reject leaders who sow seeds of discord. He described some opposition figures as ‘greedy and poisonous individuals’ and emphasized the need for proactive measures to prevent potential national damage.
The Speaker underscored 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 also highlighted the importance of understanding the country’s ‘Singapore dream’ as improved infrastructure, access to water, quality healthcare, and peaceful coexistence.
He pointed out that the Coast region was already benefiting from government programs, including easier access to national identification documents and expanded development projects. Kingi praised politicians in the Coast region for supporting the Kenya Kwanza administration but encouraged them to communicate the government’s development programs actively, even in the president’s absence.
Kingi remarked, ‘Let us not wait until Ruto comes to the Coast Region for us to speak about the good things he is doing here,’ emphasizing that regardless of the president’s presence, local leaders have a duty to inform the public about government achievements.
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, advocating for a role in reducing political tensions.
Ichung’wah also defended the government’s probe into the fuel sector, highlighting the necessity of supporting President Ruto’s administration in tackling corruption within the petroleum industry. Presidential aide Farouk Kibet criticized 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, instead supporting unity and development.
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 eulogized his mother as a devoted parent who instilled strong Christian values in her family.
