Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) Commissioner and former Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama has issued a stark warning over rising political tensions in the country, cautioning that Kenya risks descending into instability if leaders continue promoting divisive and tribal rhetoric.
In a strongly worded statement shared on his social media platforms, Muthama urged Kenyans to abandon tribal politics and embrace national unity, arguing that ethnicity-driven politics has been one of the major causes of conflict across Africa.
According to the veteran politician, African countries should emulate Western democracies where citizens are rarely judged or identified based on their ethnic backgrounds.
“Africa must start thinking like people from the West, where no one talks about the community or tribe of another person. What we practise here in Africa has resulted in civil wars and tribal clashes,” Muthama said.
The former UDA chairman expressed concern over the tone of political discourse in recent weeks, warning that reckless statements by leaders could fuel divisions and threaten the country’s stability.
He noted that recent events demonstrate how quickly Kenya could be pushed into a crisis if leaders fail to exercise restraint and responsibility.
“What we’ve witnessed recently leaves no doubt that Kenya can be plunged into a Haiti-like situation,” he said.
Muthama emphasized that democratic leadership requires mutual respect between winners and losers after elections, saying both sides have a duty to safeguard peace and national cohesion.
“Those in power have a responsibility and obligation to respect those they defeated, and those who lost have to respect those in power,” he stated.
Without directly linking them to any unlawful conduct, Muthama criticized remarks recently made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former UDA Secretary-General Cleophas Malala, describing some of the language used in political rallies as inappropriate and damaging to public discourse.
He argued that leaders should choose their words carefully and avoid statements that may inflame tensions among supporters.
The former senator further warned that individuals who seek power through divisive tactics often end up becoming victims of the instability they create.
“My advice is that those who create such situations in their country, using unorthodox and unfair approaches to topple others from power, never live to enjoy that power. They cause destruction of their own country and end up becoming victims of their own actions,” he said.
Muthama also challenged religious leaders to take a more active role in promoting national unity, proposing that churches and other places of worship incorporate messages against tribalism into their closing prayers and benedictions.
He said every Kenyan should be reminded that despite belonging to different communities, they are united by a common national identity.
“God created different communities but placed us in a country called Kenya; hence, we are Kenyans,” Muthama said.
His remarks come amid heightened political activity and growing debate over the tone of political campaigns ahead of the next electoral cycle, with calls increasing for leaders across the political divide to prioritize issue-based politics and national cohesion.
