We can coexist peacefully in our cultural diversity
By Kepher Otieno, July 23, 2025At the dawn of independence, Kenyans stood as one. We were bound not just by geography but by a shared dream — a nation united in love, cohesion, and destiny.
We saw ourselves not as Kikuyus, Luos, Luhyas, Kalenjins, or Kambas, but simply as Kenyans.
It is this spirit that inspired the doyen of opposition politics, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, to make a bold historical declaration: “No independence without Jomo Kenyatta.”
To him, national liberation was only meaningful if it included the symbol of the people’s unity — Mzee Kenyatta, the founding President of Kenya and father of the nation.
Jaramogi’s statement wasn’t merely political; it was a reflection of the post-colonial ideal that unity must come before all else.
This philosophy underpinned our early years. Despite our cultural diversity, our unity held firm.
We formed the Kenya African National Union (KANU) as the founding party under the stewardship of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.
Kenyans loved one another. Marriages across tribal lines were common. Citizens prioritised nationhood over ethnicity.
But after Kenyatta’s passing, and despite his successor, President Daniel Arap Moi’s promise to walk in his footsteps, that culture began to shift.
With the reintroduction of multiparty democracy in the 1990s, our political landscape became louder and more plural — a welcome development in many ways.
But it also paved the way for the ethnic balkanisation of our politics. Today, we must ask: Where did the rain start beating us?
When did we begin to see ourselves as tribes first, and Kenyans second?
Our political discourse is now dominated by ethnic rhetoric, identity-based politics, and divisive narratives.
At the heart of this problem are some of our very own leaders — some who once served in government but now rally support based on tribal allegiance.
When presidential hopefuls launch their bids from ethnic strongholds rather than national platforms, it raises a disturbing question: Do they speak as national leaders or tribal emissaries?
This undermines the very foundation of our Constitution.
Article 10 of the Constitution outlines the “national values and principles of governance”.
Among them are: Patriotism, national unity, sharing and devolution of power, the rule of law, democracy and participation of the people; human dignity, equity, social justice, inclusiveness, equality, human rights, non-discrimination and protection of the marginalised.
We must not treat these principles as mere words. They are the moral compass of our Republic.
We must return to a politics of unity. I support the proposal for a National Conclave recently championed by former Prime Minister and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
This dialogue should include not just politicians but civil society, youth, religious leaders, and ordinary citizens. We must talk and talk honestly.
The author is a senior writer with People Daily, a media consultant, and an advocate of better governance and greater democracy in Africa