National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called on Kenyans to shun tribal politics and uphold national unity, stressing that the country’s advancement relies on leaders and citizens prioritising national interests over ethnic and political divisions.
Wetang’ula said lasting development in Kenya can only be realised through unity, peaceful coexistence and respect for democratic contest.
“Kenya is bigger than any individual, and leadership comes from God. Our focus must remain on bringing the country together as we work towards becoming a first-world nation,” he said.
While speaking in Likoni, Mombasa County, at a fundraiser for the Salute Community-Based Organisation (CBO), the Speaker warned against efforts to split the country along tribal lines, saying every community has an equal role in national leadership and development.
“There are no small or big tribes in Kenya. Every community has a right to lead this nation. We must compete strongly during elections, but once the results are declared, we should accept one another and work together for the common good,” he said.
Wetang’ula also criticised what he described as an increasing practice by politicians to sponsor violence by using hired gangs to disrupt political meetings and public events.
“It is unfortunate that some politicians are hiring goons to interfere with our hard-earned peace. If they need goons, let them hire their own sons and daughters, not innocent children of this country,” he said.
The Speaker commended former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for putting the country’s interests before personal political ambitions after the 2022 General Election.
“We competed fiercely in 2022, but once the contest was over, Raila showed that Kenya was bigger than any individual. That spirit helped pave the way for the broad-based government, which has created opportunities for leaders from across the political divide to serve the nation,” he said.
Wetang’ula emphasised that political rivalry should not weaken national unity and urged respect, peace and stability throughout the country.
On the economy, he expressed confidence in Kenya’s future, saying the country was moving towards sustained growth and prosperity.
He credited President William Ruto’s administration with laying the groundwork for economic transformation, while adding that Kenya’s democratic institutions have continued to mature.
“This country has made significant strides. Previous presidents have served their constitutional terms and handed over power peacefully. Kenya belongs to all of us, and every community has an equal right to produce leaders,” he said.
The fundraiser was organised by Likoni MP Mishi Mboko to raise funds for buying a bus for the Salute CBO.
He described community-led initiatives as vital drivers of inclusive growth and praised the women leading the organisation for their role in social and economic development.
“It is inspiring to see women at the forefront of this noble cause. When women are empowered economically and socially, they become catalysts for positive change within their families and communities,” he said.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi supported Wetang’ula’s remarks, saying the Coast region would not back leaders who try to divide Kenyans along ethnic lines.
“The Coast is a cosmopolitan region, and that is why we support inclusive leadership. Kenya has made tremendous progress in moving away from the outdated politics of ethnicity,” he said.
Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho thanked President Ruto for what he described as inclusive leadership that has ensured all regions receive equal consideration.
“For many years our people were ignored economically and politically. Today we have agreed that we too can lead and contribute to making this country great,” Joho said.
Mboko thanked Wetang’ula for his mentorship and support, saying leaders have a duty to uplift others.
“We are products of good guidance. When our time comes, we will also extend a helping hand to others. Collectively, we believe the country is on the right path towards prosperity,” she said.
The fundraiser drew local leaders, community members and development partners who pledged support for the organisation’s efforts to improve livelihoods and expand opportunities for residents in the Coast region.