Willis Otieno cautions Kenyans against ethnic loyalty politics ahead of 2027 elections
By Cynthia Lodite, April 3, 2026Renowned constitutional lawyer and Safina Party Deputy Leader Willis Evans Otieno has cautioned Kenyans against ethnic loyalty politics at the height of the 2027 elections campaigns.
Taking to his official X account on Friday, April 3, 2026, Otieno has slammed the longstanding tribal voting pattern where candidates are backed mainly as “our person” regardless of performance or integrity.
Otieno’s call for ending ‘Mtu wetu’ ethnic loyalty politics in 2026 ahead of Kenya’s 2027 elections comes amid ongoing criticism of ethnic favouritism in Kenyan public life.
“No more ‘Mt Wetu’ politics; this is us in 2026,” Willis said.
Njiru warns of corrupt leaders
Meanwhile, Kenyan political strategist and advocate Ndegwa Njiru has further described Kenyans as irresponsible voters as the country gears up for the 2027 general elections.
Taking to his official X account on Friday, April 3, 2026, Njiru questioned Kenyans about electing corrupt leaders, warning of a corrupt, repetitive pattern.
“Fellow Kenyans, UNLESS you learn to elect presidents, governors, MPs, and MCAs without a whiff of scandal, they will continue stealing from everyone without any response,” Njiru said.
On his part, the political strategist explained how Kenyans’ voting irresponsibility would slowly transition to corrupt leaders.
“The great Kibaki had to sacrifice Murungaru, Kiraitu, and Mwiraria. I know Ruto was imposed on us by the Americans, but even Raila had some corruption issues. Kenyans are irresponsible voters. That is why they elect thieves,” he explained.
Voters registration
The lawyer’s remarks have sparked at a time when Kenyans are gearing up for the highly anticipated 2027 general elections, with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) embarking on an Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) exercise at the ward level.
The IEBC recently announced a projection of at least six million new voters as the commission embarks on the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) exercise at the ward level.
In a post on the Commission’s official X account on Monday, March 2, 2026, the Commission announced that it is targeting at least 2.5 million new voter registrations during Phase One of the ECVR exercise.
“The planned EVCR will commence on 30th March 2026 across the country for 30 days. The target is 2.5 million new voter registrations during Phase One of the ECVR exercise,” IEBC stated.