Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged Kenyans to embrace political tolerance and avoid allowing political differences to divide communities.
Kindiki said political contests are temporary, but Kenya and its people will remain together after elections.
He called on Kenyans to protect peace and avoid actions that could damage relations between communities.
“I want to urge us to be tolerant. Even if we have a small difference of opinion in this country, let us use that opportunity to strengthen peace in our communities and country,” Kindiki said.
He warned Kenyans against allowing political disagreements to turn into conflicts that could destroy the country.
“Elections and political contests are temporary, but we will remain as one community and one nation,” he said.
Kindiki also urged politicians and their supporters not to use political differences as a reason to attack their neighbours or destroy property.
“Do not use political differences, insults, threats, beat your neighbour or destroy your neighbour’s property because political differences will pass,” he added.
His remarks come as political activities gather pace ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Several political leaders have already started positioning themselves and their parties for the next contest, raising concerns over the possibility of heightened political tensions.
Kindiki urged Kenyans to remember that political competition should not come at the expense of peace and national unity.
He said Kenyans should be able to disagree politically while remaining united as citizens.
The Deputy President’s message comes against the backdrop of Kenya’s history of election-related political violence, with leaders repeatedly calling for peaceful campaigns ahead of major elections.
As the country moves closer to 2027, Kindiki’s appeal places renewed focus on the responsibility of politicians and their supporters to keep political competition peaceful.
