Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has warned against engaging in divisive politics as Kenya faces mounting political tensions.
In a statement shared on his X account on Saturday, September 28, 2024, the lawmaker emphasized the need for unity and a departure from identity-based politics.
Amisi drew comparisons with global figures, emphasizing that former U.S. President Barack Obama did not rely on his race to garner support, nor did Donald Trump overtly appeal to white supremacists despite their backing.
He stressed that tribalism does not need to be openly invoked for people to align with their tribes, as this happens naturally. However, he warned that such tendencies should not be encouraged in Kenya’s political landscape
“Obama did not ask black Americans to elect him because he was black. They just saw he was black and supported him. Trump is supported by white supremacists without him yelling to them. They just know he is one out of his actions. You do not need to shout tribalism for your tribe to follow you, they will just do it inadvertently! Kenya needs a Renaissance!” Amisi stated.
Amisi’s remarks come amid growing efforts by Members of Parliament regarding a potential impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The motion is primarily fueled by allegations of divisive rhetoric and its implications for national unity.
Several leaders have since come out to warn the second in command against tribal rhetorics noting that they are only igniting his impeachment nemesis.
Tribalism
On Thursday, September 26, 2024, Kakamega County Senator Bonny Khalwale urged Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to shift his focus away from the politics of the Mount Kenya region. In a post shared on the social media platform X, Khalwale pointed out that Gachagua’s position as Deputy President puts him in close proximity to the presidency and called on him to reduce his regional emphasis.
“Mr. Deputy President Rigathi, you’re just a heartbeat away from the presidency. You’ve spoken enough about Mount Kenya. It’s time to ease up, please,” Khalwale wrote.
His statement came after Gachagua made remarks during the interdenominational funeral service for 21 victims of Hillside Academy at Mweiga Stadium. During the service, Gachagua called for greater compassion towards the people of Mount Kenya, highlighting their longstanding role in the country’s politics.
“These people have always been here, they are here now, and they will continue to be here in the future. I ask everyone to treat the people of the mountain with the kindness they deserve, simply because it’s the right thing to do,” Gachagua
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa accused Gachagua of tribalistic politics and fueling his impeachment woes.
Speaking at a funeral in Nasianda, Kibingei Ward on Saturday, September 21, 2024, Barasa revealed that a section of parliamentarians is planning to impeach the deputy president before the end of the year.
The legislator vowed that the deputy president will be celebrating his 2024 Christmas Holiday as an ordinary citizen in his village where he can carry on with his tribal agendas.
Barasa stated that Gachagua had brought these challenges upon himself due to his divisive political tactics, which, according to the lawmaker, have alienated many leaders and MPs.
He emphasized that the parliamentarians are determined to uphold Kenya’s democracy and fight tribalism within the government.
“Rigathi Gachagua impeached himself one year ago. Recently, he accused MPs of being bribed. In the Parliament of Kenya, we’ve gained courage from our Gen Z members. We’ve also decided to be free and defend Kenya’s democracy. We have chosen to oppose tribalism. Before the year ends, Gachagua will be celebrating Christmas as a regular citizen, continuing his tribal talk back in his village,” Barasa stated.
Barasa further accused the deputy president of targeting other leaders based on ethnic backgrounds. He pointed to a recent meeting Gachagua held in Karatina, where he criticized Moses Wetang’ula’s position as Speaker of the National Assembly, claiming that the people of Bungoma had not supported Wetang’ula’s role with enough votes.
“Gachagua ameenda uko kwao Karatina akafanya mkutano akaanza kusema ati Moses Wetang’ula hafai kuwa Speaker wa Bunge kwa sababu watu wa Bungoma hatukupiga kura inayolingana na iyo cheo,” Didmus Barasa added.
