As the political scene heats up in anticipation of the 2027 General Election, Kenya’s top leaders are drawing criticism for reverting to tribal rhetoric in an attempt to shore up support — especially in response to growing youth-driven political movements.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and President William Ruto have both been accused of using ethnic sentiments to defend their positions, in what critics say is a worrying shift away from issue-based politics.
Over the past weeks, President Ruto has suggested that the opposition’s criticism of his administration is rooted in tribal bias, claiming that past presidents from other ethnic communities were treated more gently.
“Why the chaos now? Why didn’t they protest like this under Kibaki or Uhuru?” Ruto asked at a public rally — comments widely seen as aimed at ethnicizing dissent.
Gachagua, meanwhile, has taken an even more aggressive tone, accusing some Mt. Kenya leaders of betraying their community by supporting Ruto. Speaking to Kikuyu diaspora in the U.S., the DP claimed there was a plot to “finish” the Agikuyu and blamed Mt. Kenya MPs allied to the government for allegedly enabling it.
Critics, including Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah and Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, say the leaders are deliberately stirring tribal emotions to distract the public from pressing national issues like unemployment, inflation, and stalled development.
“It is dangerous and irresponsible to present national leadership as a tribal shield,” said Wamuchomba. “President Ruto is a leader for all Kenyans — not just the Kalenjin.”
Even National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, typically a neutral figure, has come under fire after calling on the Kalenjin community to “defend” the President during a rally in Trans Nzoia.
Political observers warn that this wave of tribal posturing risks reversing democratic gains made in recent years, especially after the emergence of a politically active, non-tribal Gen Z movement.
“It’s a dangerous throwback to the politics that fuelled past election violence,” noted Prof. Gitile Naituli of Multimedia University. “Kenya needs to move forward, not back into ethnic trenches.”