Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has dismissed remarks warning of a return to the 2008 post-election violence, terming them as outdated fear tactics aimed at intimidating Kenyans ahead of the 2027 general election.

Taking it to his X account on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, Ledama has made a call to the Kenyans to be more politically aware and should not tolerate political manipulation and ethnic grouping by leaders for political purposes.

“These threats about ‘going back to 2008’ are fear tactics. Kenyans are not fools. Shame on leaders who try to divide us for power. The presidency is not for two tribes; it belongs to all Kenyans. Anyone can lead. Let’s focus on real issues, not intimidation,” Ledama said.

The outspoken senator argued that leadership is not reserved for any particular community in Kenya and that all Kenyans have a constitutional right to seek the presidency, irrespective of tribe or region.

Olekina also appealed to political leaders to move away from ethnic mobilisation and intimidation to focus on issues that affect the ordinary Kenyans, like the high cost of living, unemployment and economic hardships.

Olekina takes on Uhuru

The senator said the former leaders ought to let a new generation of leaders emerge peaceably without trying to shape divisive politics because of the succession struggle, hinting at the retired president, Uhuru Kenyatta, in his statement.

“Uhuru should retire peacefully and give others space to lead. Kenyans, reject divisive politics. Our strength is unity,” he added.

The senator’s statement comes amid growing regional tensions, as parties take sides in an escalating power-sharing battle ahead of the elections in 2027.

Olekina appealed to Kenyans to ensure the unity of the nation and to reject politicians who are playing tribal politics for their selfish agendas.

He called on Kenyans to abandon divisive politics, which he said made them weak as a people.

Uhuru’s remarks on divisive politics

The sentiments from the senator come barely a day after the retired president Uhuru Kenyatta has criticised President William Ruto and leaders allied to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), accusing them of allowing divisive ethnic politics to take root ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking on Monday, May 25, 2026, during a Jubilee Party delegates’ meeting in Kiambu, Uhuru condemned recent political remarks he described as dangerous and inflammatory while faulting national leaders for failing to call out such rhetoric publicly.

Without directly naming individuals, the Jubilee Party leader appeared to reference recent comments made by UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar during President Ruto’s tour of the Coast region.

“Nobody is supposed to threaten a certain community because we are all Kenyans, and God knows why we are together in this country. You should not divide us,” Uhuru stated.

“We have started seeing others spreading divisive ethnic politics. They don’t have shame while saying these things. They are making the remarks in front of leaders of our country, and nobody tries to stop them,” he added.