Eldoret Human Rights Activist Urges Responsible Political Discourse and National Unity

An Eldoret-based human rights activist has called on Kenyan political leaders to exercise restraint, responsibility, and honesty in their public engagements, warning that divisive rhetoric and misinformation pose a serious threat to national unity and democratic stability.

Speaking in Eldoret on Tuesday, Kipkorir Ngetich expressed concern over the rising tone of political attacks directed at President William Ruto, particularly by some former senior government officials. Ngetich said criticism of leadership is legitimate in a democracy but must be grounded in facts and national interest rather than personal or political vendettas.

“Kenya’s democracy thrives on free expression, but that freedom must be exercised responsibly,” Ngetich said. “When leaders who have previously served at the highest levels of government choose to spread misleading narratives, it undermines public trust and weakens our institutions.”

Ngetich noted that visionary leadership is defined by clarity of purpose, long-term planning, and the ability to unite people toward shared goals. He argued that President Ruto’s leadership approach, including his emphasis on economic transformation and inclusive governance, reflects these principles.

According to the activist, no country can achieve meaningful development without leaders first articulating a clear vision and demonstrating the ambition to pursue it. He pointed to the formation of a broad-based government as an example of efforts to promote inclusivity, collaboration, and expertise in addressing national challenges.

“As a human rights advocate, my greatest concern is the re-emergence of tribal and divisive politics,” Ngetich said. “Kenya has suffered before due to ethnic polarization. We must not allow political competition to drag us back to that dangerous path.”

He urged Kenyans, particularly communities in Meru and the Rift Valley, to reject narratives that frame political disagreements along ethnic lines. Such narratives, he warned, threaten social cohesion and can erode the peace and stability necessary for protecting human rights and economic development.

Ngetich also addressed the role of the opposition, emphasizing that it plays a critical part in democratic governance. However, he cautioned that opposition leadership should focus on offering alternative policies and constructive oversight rather than engaging in what he described as constant negativity and propaganda.

“A credible opposition should inspire hope and present solutions,” he said. “Portraying Kenya as a failed state, distorting facts, and inciting public anger does not help citizens—it only deepens divisions and discourages progress.”

On President Ruto’s references to global development models, including countries such as Singapore, Ngetich said such comparisons should be understood as expressions of ambition and belief in Kenya’s potential rather than unrealistic promises.

“Leadership is about motivating people to believe in a better future,” he said. “Aspiration is not a crime; it is a necessary ingredient of progress.”

Ngetich acknowledged that reform-oriented leadership often attracts resistance, especially from political actors uncomfortable with change. He noted that Kenya’s constitutional framework provides clear electoral timelines through which citizens can ultimately evaluate leadership performance.

“Governments must be allowed time to implement their agendas,” he said. “Elections provide the proper avenue for accountability—not perpetual incitement or misinformation.”

He concluded by calling on all political actors to place national unity above personal ambition and to engage in issue-based politics that strengthen democracy rather than weaken it.

“Kenya’s future depends on responsible leadership, truthful public discourse, and a shared commitment to peace and progress,” Ngetich said. “We owe it to current and future generations to protect the stability and aspirations of our nation.”