The government has issued a stern warning to politicians accused of fuelling hate speech, ethnic divisions and inflammatory rhetoric ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying those found inciting Kenyans will face decisive action.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya said the government will not tolerate leaders who use divisive politics to advance their political ambitions, warning that such conduct risks plunging the country into violence and bloodshed.

Speaking on Monday, July 20, 2026, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Raila Odinga Mausoleum at Kango ka Jaramogi in Bondo Sub-county, Tuya expressed concern over what she described as the growing use of hostile and ethnic rhetoric by some opposition politicians and members of the Linda Mwananchi movement.

“It is unfortunate that some public leaders have resorted to divisive language, verbal attacks and the spread of hate. Such conduct has no place in our country, especially as we prepare for the next General Election,” Tuya said.

She reminded political leaders that they serve all Kenyans regardless of political affiliation and should therefore exercise restraint in their public utterances.

“The State will deal decisively with anyone engaging in divisive political rhetoric. We cannot allow hate speech and ethnic incitement to undermine our national unity,” she warned.

Warning against ethnic incitement

The Defence CS cautioned that politicians promoting negative ethnicity were not only dividing communities but also creating conditions that could trigger violence.

“When people go around spreading negative ethnicity, they are not simply inciting Kenyans; they are sowing seeds of conflict that could end in bloodshed. As leaders, we will not allow that to happen under our watch,” she said.

She urged politicians with differing opinions to compete through ideas and development agendas rather than ethnic mobilisation.

“Anyone with a different political opinion should present an alternative plan to Kenyans instead of promoting incitement or attempting to divide the country along ethnic lines,” Tuya added.

Praises ODM’s role in broad-based government

Tuya, who was accompanied by ODM leader Oburu Oginga and Cooperative Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, praised ODM for what she termed its contribution to national unity through the broad-based government arrangement.

She commended Oburu for steering the party following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

“I want to thank you, Oburu, for your selfless leadership and for standing firmly in support of the unity of our country. You have also steadied the ODM ship following Baba’s passing,” she said.

“The unity of purpose that ODM has brought into the broad-based government will help build a stronger and more united Kenya. We remain focused on moving the nation forward.”

Expresses confidence in IEBC

Tuya also defended the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), saying recent by-elections demonstrated the commission’s ability to conduct free and credible elections despite criticism from some political quarters.

“The IEBC has demonstrated integrity. Contrary to claims that the government would interfere with elections, all the recent by-elections, including the Ol Kalou by-election, were conducted freely and fairly,” she said.

She added that public confidence in the electoral commission would play a key role in ensuring peaceful elections in 2027.

“Confidence in the IEBC is one of the most important foundations for peaceful elections and for ensuring our country remains free from negative ethnicity.”

Government commits to Raila mausoleum

On the Raila Odinga Mausoleum project, Tuya reaffirmed the government’s commitment to honouring the late statesman.

She said the monument would be constructed to the highest standards and would serve as a lasting symbol of national unity.

“The mausoleum will be completed with the highest level of efficiency and professionalism. It will stand as a symbol of unity and national pride,” she said.

“I also want to thank all stakeholders involved in this project. We will continue working together until we deliver a world-class mausoleum worthy of Raila Odinga’s legacy.”

Project to be completed before Mashujaa Day

Principal Secretary for Culture, Arts and Heritage Ummi Bashir revealed that the idea of refurbishing the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Museum was first discussed with Raila Odinga in 2023.

She recalled that Raila had directed architect Eng. Jude to begin preparing designs after the two discussed the project during a flight to Nairobi.

“The original plan was to renovate Jaramogi’s museum after Baba asked that the project begin. Sadly, events later changed following his passing,” Bashir said.

She disclosed that President William Ruto later directed that the project be expanded to include Raila Odinga’s mausoleum.

According to Bashir, the Head of Public Service has tasked the Ministry of Defence and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) with delivering the project before October 15, 2026.

Oburu welcomes project

ODM leader Oburu Oginga thanked the government for honouring his elder brother through the construction of the mausoleum.

He said the monument would preserve Raila Odinga’s legacy and educate future generations about his contribution to Kenya’s democracy.

“The monument will stand as a lasting reminder of Raila Odinga’s immense contribution to Kenya’s democratic journey and national development,” Oburu said.

The groundbreaking ceremony officially marked the commencement of construction at Kango ka Jaramogi, the ancestral home of Kenya’s first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.

The late Raila’s wife, Ida Odinga, did not attend the event.

However, Tuya said she had received an apology from Ida, who conveyed her support for the project despite being unable to attend.