Former Agriculture Minister Kipruto Arap Kirwa has called for politicians to tone down divisive rhetoric, specifically targeting former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s ‘cousins’ slogan.

Speaking on a television programme, on Monday, June 9, 2025, Kirwa warned that such language could deepen Kenya’s political divisions and create a toxic environment.

“We need to improve our language because the language that we are using today as politicians is likely to precipitate a lot of toxicity within the environment of politics that Kenyans may visit themselves in a way that we do not want,” Kirwa said during the discussion.

He urged politicians on all sides to adopt more unifying language when addressing opponents, stressing that inflammatory rhetoric could harm national unity.
Kirwa’s comments follow Gachagua’s recent campaign in the Ukambani region, where he referred to Kikuyus, Kambas, Taitas, and Giriamas as “cousins” who should unite to form the next government.

While some supporters see the slogan as a call for regional solidarity, others, including ODM Senator Ledama Ole Kina, have labelled it a “recipe for disaster,” warning that it risks stoking tribal divisions.

Beyond political rhetoric

Kirwa also raised concerns about transparency in Kenya’s healthcare initiatives. He acknowledged the government’s success in registering 22 million people for healthcare programs but noted that the process lacks clarity.

“Our only problems were that it was shrouded in some kind of mystery,” he said, calling for greater openness to build public trust.

With Kenya’s population at 56 million, Kirwa stressed that transparent governance is key to advancing such initiatives effectively. Kirwa further highlighted issues of financial accountability, expressing alarm over reports of nearly one trillion shillings moving out of the Treasury without clear oversight.

“When you see money being carried by politicians, then you suspect it is the cash that moved from Treasury,” he remarked, questioning how politicians access large sums without proper documentation.

He pointed out that strict banking regulations limit withdrawals to under a million shillings to curb money laundering, yet some politicians openly display unexplained wealth. Kirwa called for stricter financial discipline to address suspicions of illicit funds being funnelled through businesses like petrol stations or hotels.