Waiguru: Kenya treading dangerous path by silencing opposing voices
By Kiprono Keileb, August 1, 2025Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has issued a stern warning against rising political intolerance in the country, cautioning that Kenya is treading a dangerous path by suppressing divergent views and weaponising party loyalty.
Speaking at a public event on Monday, August 1, 2025, Waiguru condemned the growing trend of disqualifying individuals from political participation solely based on their party affiliation.
“We’ve come a long way as a democracy, let us not reach a point where, as the people of Kirinyaga or Kenya, we tell someone, ‘You’re not in our party, so you can’t vie here.’ We must never get there.” Waiguru said
The former Council of Governors chairperson emphasised that silencing those with opposing views and attempting to bar them from speaking or running for office undermines the very foundation of Kenya’s democratic progress.
“Where we’re heading, we’re playing with fire,” Waiguru said. “There are those who say, ‘If you’re not with me, don’t speak.’ And now they bring their people to disrupt others. But what happens when the people being disrupted decide to fight back? What plans do you have for that tomorrow?”
Her remarks come in the wake of increased political friction in some countries, with reports of rallies being disrupted and leaders facing hostility in perceived rival zones. Waiguru, a key figure in the Kenya Kwanza coalition, maintained that tolerance for diverse opinions must be upheld across the political divide.
“Kenya is beginning to look like a country of chaos,” she warned, urging political actors to reflect on the long-term consequences of suppressing dialogue and resorting to intimidation. “Let us not try to go down that road. Let’s allow room for different opinions after all, the people already know who they will elect.”
While she steered clear of naming individuals or parties, her remarks are seen as a veiled rebuke to growing factionalism within political alliances as the country edges closer to the 2027 elections.
Waiguru’s message was clear: democracy demands patience, respect, and space for all voices, not just those aligned with the dominant camp.