Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has cautioned politicians against spreading hate and divisive rhetoric ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election, warning that the country cannot afford a repeat of the 2007 post-election violence.
Speaking during an Economic Empowerment Program event at Maasai National Polytechnic in Kajiado County, Mudavadi condemned recent remarks by some leaders, terming them reckless and dangerous. He emphasized that peace, unity, and stability must take precedence over personal political ambitions.
“We must never forget the pain of 2007. Over 1,400 lives were lost, properties destroyed, and communities torn apart,” he said, recalling his involvement in the Serena peace talks led by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, Graca Machel, and Tanzania’s ex-President Benjamin Mkapa. “No Kenyan should ever have to experience that again.”
Mudavadi criticized unnamed leaders for exporting tribalism and hate speech to Kenyans living abroad, warning that such actions undermine the cohesion among diaspora communities. “You buy a ticket worth nearly a million shillings only to take tribalism to the diaspora? Shameful,” he lamented. “When in a foreign land, your fellow Kenyan is your closest ally. Tribe does not matter. Let’s not ruin that unity.”
He further urged leaders to respect the Presidency and uphold the integrity of national institutions like the Judiciary, Parliament, and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). He warned that undermining these bodies could destabilize the nation.
Mudavadi also called on political leaders to serve as role models for the youth, particularly Generation Z, who he said are observing the conduct of those in power. “If our young people are wayward, we must reflect on the kind of example we’re setting. Leaders who constantly spew insults and tribal rhetoric cannot expect a responsible generation.”
He concluded by calling for issue-based politics that prioritize the interests of the people, urging all leaders to safeguard Kenya’s democracy, peace, and national unity.
