National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Speaker Moses Wetangula have issued strong warnings against the rising tide of divisive politics in Kenya, amid growing political tensions and the active involvement of youth in national protests.
Speaking in Kibirichia, Buuri Constituency, Meru County, on Saturday, Ichung’wah cautioned against politicians attempting to manipulate Kenya’s generational dynamics for political mileage. He accused unnamed leaders of shifting from ethnic incitement to exploiting inter-generational differences, particularly targeting the youth.
“We will not allow a group of disgruntled leaders who have no agenda for Kenya to incite an inter-generational divide in our country and weaponise the generation of our young people against other Kenyans,” Ichung’wah said.
He emphasized that Kenya is a nation for all generations and that efforts to use Gen Zs to fuel political chaos were both unethical and dangerous. His remarks come at a time when Gen Z-led protests have emerged as a significant force in national discourse, particularly around issues of governance, unemployment, and accountability.
In a separate event on the same day, Speaker Wetang’ula also condemned divisive political tactics, taking direct aim at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. While speaking at a fundraiser at Machongo PAG Secondary School in Bomachoge Chache Constituency, Wetang’ula criticised Gachagua’s perceived ethnic-based approach to politics.
“You cannot become president of this country by rotating around one mountain,” Wetang’ula said, referencing Gachagua’s alleged overreliance on the Mt Kenya region. He stressed that tribal politics threaten Kenya’s unity and progress, urging leaders to embrace inclusivity.
Wetang’ula also pointed out the underrepresentation of regions like Mt Elgon in national politics, calling for a broader and more inclusive approach to governance.
Both leaders called for a return to issue-based politics and warned that divisive rhetoric—whether ethnic or generational—poses a grave risk to national cohesion.
“There is no superior community in Kenya,” Wetang’ula said, urging all political actors to abandon balkanisation and promote unity across the nation.
