Former Bahati constituency Member of Parliament Kimani Ngunjiri has issued a stark warning about the potential consequences of Kenya’s escalating political divisions.
Speaking on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, during an interview with K24 TV, Ngunjiri cautioned that without careful management, the country could descend into a state of instability reminiscent of Somalia, a nation long plagued by conflict and governance challenges.
The discussion on the show dubbed The People Dialogue centred around the question of whether President William Ruto is uniting or dividing Kenya.
Reasoned arguments
Ngunjiri emphasised the importance of challenging the president with reasoned arguments rather than resorting to abusive language.
“You can challenge the president; you can challenge the opposition, but with points and reasons, not in abusive language. Let us challenge the people with what they are doing. It is not good for us. Let us be people who can be able to focus. Where we are now, the problems we are having – if we are not careful, we are going to be like Somalia. Because we are going the tribal way. We cannot accept dividing our country like that,” he stated.
Somalia has been a battleground for decades, with the militant group Al-Shabab exploiting political instability to expand its influence. The country’s struggles with governance, corruption, and external interventions have left it in a state of chronic insecurity.
Political and social tensions
This warning comes at a time when Kenya is grappling with significant political and social tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Several leaders eyeing the presidency during the 2027 polls have been traversing the country to rally their supporters, with some making remarks that have been considered tribal.
For instance, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been branded as a tribal leader following the remarks he has been making while in various regions of the country.
The Democracy for the Citizens (DCP) party leader has found himself in trouble with a section of leaders allied to the government following his “cousins” and “brothers” remarks.
