Kenya Kwanza leaders warn against political violence, tribalism

Kenya Kwanza leaders have warned against escalating political violence and tribalism ahead of the 2027 General Election, urging rival camps to allow political meetings to proceed without disruption.

Speaking in Turbo, Uasin Gishu County, the leaders accused politicians of exploiting young people and ethnic divisions to create chaos at rallies, while calling for political competition to be centred on ideas and development.

President Ruto's aide Farouk Kibet urged supporters to reject tribal politics and exercise restraint during political gatherings.

He challenged opposition groups to present their candidate, saying Kenya Kwanza was ready to face them politically.

“Let us reject tribalism. Bring us your candidate and we will defeat them early in the morning,” Farouk said.

He also cautioned supporters against engaging members of the Linda Mwananchi movement, which he referred to as the “Linda Tumbo” group, urging them not to respond to provocation or disrupt rival political meetings.

Farouk said Kenya Kwanza's position was that political competition should not result in violence or public disruption.

“Let us not cause people to fight, it serves no purpose,” he said, while maintaining that the administration of President William Ruto remained focused on development and national unity.

Farouk also defended the President's record, citing the government's fertilizer subsidy programme as part of what he described as efforts to support farmers.

His remarks came alongside calls from other Kenya Kwanza leaders for young people to resist being used to advance political interests through violence.

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah urged Kenyans to reject tribalism and embrace tolerance as the country approaches the 2027 elections.

Ichung'wah also called on the Inspector General of Police to take action against individuals accused of mobilising youth to cause chaos at political rallies, citing the recent unrest witnessed in Embu.

South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro similarly warned young people against allowing politicians to use them to fight political battles.

Osoro defended President Ruto's development record, pointing to road construction and other government projects while accusing sections of the opposition of relying on what he described as “goonism” rather than offering alternative policy ideas.

Lurambi MP Bishop Titus Khamala also praised Ruto's development record, describing the President as a leader who keeps his word and completes projects.

Khamala cited projects in Western Kenya, including the Kakamega Stadium and hospital infrastructure, as evidence of the administration's commitment to development.

The leaders also raised local development and environmental concerns, with Farouk urging residents occupying riverbanks and areas around water springs to vacate them.

“Children should not be exposed to danger when crossing rivers and other waterways to access schools, calling on leaders to provide safe bridges,”he said.

The Uasin Gishu tour comes as political mobilisation intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election, with both the Kenya Kwanza administration