Makau Mutua calls for end of tribal kingpins in Kenya
By Faith Lagat, November 15, 2025Senior presidential advisor Makau Mutua has called for an end to the influence of ethnic and tribal kingpins in Kenyan politics.
In a statement posted on X on Saturday, November 15, 2025, Mutua said, “Kenyans must bury the notion of ethnic/tribal kingpins. It’s backward, outdated, and must be retired in the putrid dustbin of history.”
He further stressed the need for a democracy free from divisive leadership, adding, “A democracy can’t be built on kingpins. Those who hold Kenyans in the dungeon of the kingpin retard our democracy.”
Tribal politics
Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya has highlighted the threat of tribal and kingpin-style politics to Kenya’s youth-led Gen Z movement, known for pushing accountability and unity.
In a statement shared on his official X account on Sunday, July 27, 2025, Salasya warned that ethnic-based mobilization undermines the inclusive agenda championed by the youth.
He praised the movement for addressing issues beyond ethnicity, class, and region, aligning with his vision of a united Kenya.
“Gen Z’s momentum will be killed by tribal politics and kingpinship politics. This is a real Gen Z who wants better for her country. She is like Peter Salasya, whose agenda is about a united country,” he said during a tour in Ogalo, Busia County, on May 1, 2025.
Salasya also criticised President Ruto’s administration, stating, “We can’t allow Ruto to rule us like this for another 7 years. We need change, and change is us, not Riggy-kind of politics.”
He specifically called out former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for perpetuating tribal politics.
“H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, get this from me: the language that Ruto understands is this politics of tribal. We want one Kenya that is tired of Ruto’s leadership that has failed Kenyans and killed many hopes of young, growing people,” Salasya added.
Calls for unity beyond ethnic lines
Echoing similar sentiments, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi criticised Ruto for promoting tribal politics and urged Kenyans to unite ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement on X on Sunday, October 26, 2025, Amisi said, “This is very good. As we send Ruto home, we are also sending home his politics of tribalism.”
He added, “Kenyans must never allow politicians to create imaginary tribal animosity. We are one indivisible nation called Kenya,” encouraging leaders to move freely across regions and focus on policies over identity.
“Gachagua visit Bondo tomorrow, Oburu visit Nyeri next week, Ruto visit anywhere,” Amisi concluded, contributing to the ongoing debate on unity and leadership as the nation prepares for the next election cycle.