A section of Nyanza ODM leaders have urged top State officials to resolve their internal disputes and refrain from engaging in public disagreements.
Led by Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr Mathews Owili, the leaders expressed concerns that ‘open divisions and ethnic cleavages’ could polarise the country and undermine President William Ruto’s efforts toward national integration.
The leaders emphasized the need for unity and constructive dialogue within the government to ensure that the focus remains on advancing the nation’s development agenda, rather than fueling political tensions that could hamper smooth development progress in the Country.
Addressing the press in Kisumu, Owili at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Referral Hospital, expressed displeasure over the ongoing outbursts between Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his allies, which were directed at the President.
He termed these verbal attacks against the Head of State as both wrong and disrespectful, stressing that such internal conflict could derail national progress.
Impeachment motion
This tension has intensified against the backdrop of reports that some of the President’s allies are planning an impeachment motion to oust the Deputy President from power to punish him
But Owili warned that such divisions within the leadership could destabilise the government and urged for reconciliation to maintain stability and cohesion in the country’s leadership.
Owili cautioned that Kenya cannot afford to regress into acts of anarchy or lawlessness, especially after the recent nationwide Gen Z demonstrations, which paralysed the country and disrupted business activities.
He emphasized that the nation must not allow a return to actions that fuel political hostility and ethnic animosity again in Kenya during this period of broad-based Government.
“Kenya can’t accept to go down that path again,” he said, urging leaders to prioritise constructive dialogue and consensus-building in resolving the current political challenges.
Owili also warned against stoking ethnic tensions and called for a united approach to address the country’s issues without resorting to divisive rhetoric or actions that could harm national cohesion
He questioned why the Deputy President was stirring tribal emotions, reminding him that the presidency is an institution symbolising national unity.
The DG, also criticised the DP for constantly focusing on “Mt Kenya” politics, which he said undermines the broader sense of nationhood.
“Kenya is a conglomerate of more than 42 ethnic communities. Why single out only one region repeatedly while disregarding the rest? This is wrong,” Owili stated, adding that the DP should prioritise inclusive politics that strengthen national cohesion.
He emphasized that leadership should be about uniting the country, not dividing it along regional or tribal lines, telling the doom mongers that they risk plunging the country into civil strife if they don’t shun political hate and spite.
Owili pointed to Kisumu as an example of harmonious collaboration between himself and his superior, Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o urging the DP to emulate their working relationship.
