Former senior economic advisor to President William Ruto, Moses Kuria, has strongly criticized leaders who he says are fueling negative ethnicity by portraying certain communities as superior or collectively guilty.
Kuria, who is known for his blunt style of communication, said such politics are not only outdated but also dangerous to Kenya’s unity and future.
Speaking after a series of remarks from politicians including Tiaty MP William Kamket, Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago, and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale in Balambala, Kuria said such statements risk reviving divisive politics that Kenya has long struggled to overcome.
He warned that the country cannot afford to return to the old patterns of hostility that have historically undermined peace and stability.
“In the recent past, I have listened to a number of leaders allege that there is a community that thinks it is more superior than others. From Kamket to Mandago to CS Duale, the message has been the same. We must not return this country to the politics of negative ethnicity,” Kuria stated.
He stressed that no entire community should be condemned or punished because of the actions of a few individuals.
According to him, such blanket accusations amount to collective punishment and are dangerous for national unity.
“If you have a problem with any individual from the Mt Kenya community, do not take it out against an entire people. If Mt Kenya people have eaten your goat, Kamket, Mandago, or Duale, do let me know, I will pay you back,” Kuria said in his trademark blunt style.
Kuria explained that pushing communities against the wall could have far-reaching and unintended consequences.
He reminded leaders that Kenya’s past has already shown how damaging ethnic divisions can be, and warned against repeating those mistakes.
“As leaders, we must chart a new path. We should confront individuals on their own actions, not condemn entire communities. This is the only way we can preserve peace and national unity,” he added.
The former advisor urged political leaders to speak with responsibility and ensure that their words help in building trust rather than destroying it.
He said Kenya’s strength lies in its diversity and that leaders must use their positions to protect that diversity instead of turning it into a weapon.
Kuria concluded by stressing that the only way forward is for politicians to rise above tribal rhetoric.
He said that Kenya’s stability depends on leaders choosing to embrace unity and fairness rather than fanning divisions that could plunge the country into unnecessary conflict.
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