Former Bomet Governor and Judicial Service Commission Vice Chairperson Isaac Rutto has called for calm in the country’s political space, warning leaders against inflammatory language that could heighten tensions as political activity begins to pick up ahead of the next election cycle.

In his statement shared on Facebook on Sunday, April 12, 2026, Rutto noted that recent political exchanges among leaders have become increasingly heated, raising concern that continued blame games and tribal undertones could destabilise national unity if not checked early. He emphasised the need for restraint and unity among all communities.

“Tunataka Kenya iliyo moja; we don’t want some rhetoric to go beyond certain levels, ituletee shida. All communities belong to Kenya, and we are all one. We want to live in peace. I urge all the political leaders to reduce the temperature. Kenyans are no longer tribalistic; they now know that they are Kenyans, and they want peace,” the statement reads.

Rutto further stressed that Kenya has made significant progress in building strong democratic and governance institutions that should be allowed to function independently without interference from political competition or personal attacks between leaders.

He urged politicians across the board to avoid statements that may be interpreted as divisive, saying that the country has matured politically and citizens are now more focused on peace, stability, and development rather than ethnic divisions.

“We have set in place very strong institutions, and those institutions we allow to stabilise the country and lead us to the next general election,” the statement reads.

Rutto’s remarks come at a time when early political mobilisation has already begun in various parts of the country, with leaders traversing regions and making alliances ahead of the 2027 general election, even before official timelines are announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).