
As Kenya prepares for the highly anticipated 2027 General Elections, human rights advocates and political observers are calling on citizens to reject divisive tribal politics and instead prioritize issues of governance, accountability, and development.
The warning comes amid growing concerns that political leaders, particularly those under scrutiny for failing to deliver on their promises, are retreating to their ethnic strongholds and stoking tribal sentiments to deflect criticism.
Dr. Newton Kinity, a prominent human rights advocate and former Secretary-General of the Kenya Civil Servants Union, emphasized that Kenyans are frustrated with leaders who have failed to deliver, not with any particular tribe.
“The future of Kenya depends on our ability to hold leaders accountable and demand better governance. It is time for citizens to rise above ethnic divisions and elect leaders based on competence, integrity, and a proven track record of service,” Dr. Kinity said in a statement to newsrooms.
“As a nation, we must learn from the mistakes of the past and refuse to be divided along tribal lines. Our unity is our strength,” added Dr. Kinity, who also serves as a current member of the Presidential Advisory Board of the Republican National Committee, USA.
Dr. Kinity expressed concern that politicians are increasingly resorting to ethnic rhetoric when questioned about their performance. He noted that some leaders are claiming their communities are being targeted, a tactic he described as a diversionary strategy to evade accountability.
The remarks follow recent comments by Kapseret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi, who vowed to ensure President William Ruto’s re-election in 2027, even if it means manipulating the electoral process.
Speaking at a public rally, Sudi declared, “Wewe umewahi kusikia wapi mtu amekuwa rais term moja? Hakuna mahali Ruto anaenda… Hata kama hazitoshi, tutaongeza!” (Where have you ever heard of a president serving only one term? Ruto is not going anywhere… Even if the votes are not enough, we will add more!).
Dr. Kinity described Sudi’s remarks as deeply concerning and urged Kenyans not to take such statements lightly, “These are not just careless words; they are a direct threat to our democracy. We must remain vigilant and ensure that such rhetoric does not undermine the integrity of our electoral process.”
With Kenya’s opposition currently weakened, Dr. Kinity stressed that the responsibility to protect democracy now lies squarely on the shoulders of ordinary citizens. He called on Kenyans to remain “woke” and actively participate in the electoral process to safeguard their voices.
“The best way to counter any attempts to undermine the electoral process is for Kenyans to turn out in large numbers and vote. A high voter turnout will not only demonstrate the people’s commitment to democracy but also make it harder for anyone to manipulate the results,” he advised.
Dr. Kinity, who has been a vocal proponent of good governance and social justice for over two decades, urged voters to resist fear-mongering and empty rhetoric. Instead, he called for unity and a collective effort to build a more cohesive and inclusive future.
On the issue of campaign promises, Dr. Kinity cautioned Kenyans against falling for grandiose manifestos that are often unrealistic and unimplementable. He urged voters to critically evaluate leaders based on actionable and practical plans that address the country’s pressing challenges.
“Politicians often present manifestos filled with lofty promises that cannot be implemented. Kenyans must demand clarity and feasibility in the plans presented to them. Voting for leaders with actionable manifestos is key to driving meaningful development,” he explained.
By prioritizing action-oriented policies, he emphasized, citizens can ensure that their votes contribute to meaningful and lasting progress adding that this would require a shift from passive acceptance of political rhetoric to active engagement in the electoral process.