Senator Jackson Mandago and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula are once again being linked to divisive tribal politics at a time when the country is facing serious political and economic tension.
Instead of promoting unity and focusing on issues affecting Kenyans, the two leaders seem more interested in pushing a tribal agenda that could further polarize the country.
Their recent remarks and actions suggest that their main concern is protecting political interests tied to specific communities, rather than offering leadership that can unite a struggling nation.
While speaking in Nakuru, Mandago claimed that the growing opposition to President William Ruto was based on tribal hatred.
He told residents of the Mt. Kenya region to stand behind Ruto and support his government until the end of his second term.
This kind of language only adds fuel to the fire. It avoids addressing the real frustrations Kenyans have with the government, including joblessness, high taxes, and rising cost of living. Instead, it blames political resistance on tribalism, which is a dangerous and misleading way of avoiding accountability.
Mandago went further and promised to mobilize support across the country to investigate those who served under Ruto’s previous administration.
Although he appeared to target those perceived as opposing Ruto, his words raised concerns that investigations might be used as a political weapon rather than a genuine search for justice or transparency.
He also claimed that efforts were being made to push the Rift Valley out of national leadership, a narrative that feeds fear and division.
Wetang’ula, on his part, has avoided directly addressing the growing anger among citizens but has continued to support those pushing regional and ethnic-based politics. His failure to condemn recent government threats against protestors, including the shoot-to-kill directive, raises questions about where his loyalty lies.
Many expected him, as a national figure, to speak against such a harsh measure. Instead, he remains focused on defending the government’s political image, even as public confidence continues to decline.
These actions by Mandago and Wetang’ula show a pattern of using ethnic identity to maintain influence. At a time when the country needs sober voices and honest conversations, these leaders seem more interested in deepening divisions.
Their behavior reflects the same old tactics that have kept Kenya trapped in cycles of mistrust and political tension.
What Kenyans want now is leadership that sees beyond tribe, listens to concerns, and builds a fair system for everyone, not just a few regions. If this does not change, the gap between citizens and leaders will only grow wider.
