Former Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General Wilson Sossion has spoken out strongly on the upcoming by-elections, urging party leaders to respect the will of the people and warning against growing ethnic divisions fueled by political rhetoric.

Speaking at an interview on a local TV station on Thursday, July 17, 2025, ahead of high-stakes by-elections seen as early tests for President William Ruto and United Opposition, Sossion called for political maturity and respect for voters’ democratic rights.

“Party leaders can’t stop Kenyans from voting for whomever they choose,” Sossion stated.

“If individuals decide to contest, they shouldn’t be blocked, only granted or denied the party ticket. The rest is up to the sovereign power of the voters to exercise their democratic right and elect the leaders they want.”

The remarks come as internal jostling intensifies within major parties over nominations, with fears of imposed candidates triggering rebellion and voter apathy.

 Sossion emphasised that democracy must prevail over party politics.

Turning to the issue of national cohesion, Sossion took aim at the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), accusing it of failing to clamp down on ethnic incitement across the political divide.

“The NCIC is supposed to call out individuals who promote ethnic division and disunity in the country, and prosecute them without exception, whether they’re in the United Democratic Alliance, Orange Democratic Movement, Jubilee, or Democracy for Citizens Party,” he said.

 “As a country, we can’t continue living in the primitive shadows of ethnic mongering and division.”

His warning also comes amid rising concerns about polarising tribal rhetoric ahead of 2027, with political leaders increasingly appealing to ethnic blocs.

Sossion reaffirmed his support for the constitutional five-year term, urging leaders to focus on delivering results rather than engaging in early campaigns.

“Governance and leadership are for five years, with a constitutionally mandated agenda to be delivered. Remember, President Ruto is the first to be elected on a clear agenda and manifesto,” he noted.

He called for both political accountability and unity, signalling that Kenya’s post-election future hinges on upholding democratic principles, fighting ethnic polarisation, and staying focused on development.