Caroli Omondi: Kenya’s identity must rise above tribes and regions
By Kiprono Keileb, August 5, 2025Suba South Member of Parliament Caroli Omondi has called for a national soul-searching moment, urging Kenyans to reflect deeply on the country’s post-independence journey and the foundation upon which Kenya’s identity has been shaped.
Speaking during a political talk show on a local television station on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, Omondi emphasised that Kenya’s future cohesion and national stability lie not in tribal or regional affiliations, but in the shared values enshrined in the constitution.
“In the first election of 1957, if you looked clearly, tribalism was not very present, except from the colonial perspective, they completely refused that Kikuyu would run in that election. There was no Kikuyu candidate in the 1957 election,” Omondi said
According to Dr. Nyikal, Kenya’s early political history provides a vital lens for examining the country’s democratic journey, particularly how tribalism gradually took root in national politics after independence
“Going forward, we need to reflect on what happened immediately after independence, the national identity in Kenya will not be around tribes or addresses. It will be about values, and our constitution gives us the pathway,” he continued
Omondi referenced the Constitution’s preamble and Article 10, which outlines Kenya’s national values and principles of governance, including patriotism, inclusivity, equity, human dignity, and social justice, as the blueprint for building a collective identity.
“If you look at our preamble, the aspirational aspect of the constitution, as well as Article 10, our national values and principles, that is what our identity should be. For Kenya, our national identity must be built on our shared values,” Omondi stated
The legislator’s remarks come at a time when political discourse in the country is heavily dominated by concerns over ethnicity, regionalism, and divisive politics, with many citizens and leaders questioning the long-term consequences of failing to nurture a unifying national spirit.
Omondi’s reflections add to a growing call from leaders and civil society actors who are pushing for a value-based political culture and civic awareness, one that transcends tribal arithmetic and regional loyalties.
As Kenya heads toward future political transitions, voices like Omondi’s serve as a reminder that national healing and sustainable unity require more than just electoral reforms; they demand a return to the values that define who we are as a people.