Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has cautioned the Kikuyu community against embracing what he described as divisive ethnic politics, warning that such an approach could isolate the community from the rest of the country and undermine decades of progress in promoting national unity and peaceful coexistence.

Speaking on behalf of the Center for Human Rights and Democracy, Ngetich criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of advancing politics centered on ethnic identity rather than national cohesion.

According to the activist, Kenya has evolved significantly since the era when political competition was largely defined by tribal affiliations, and the country should not allow leaders to reverse those gains.

He said the younger generation is increasingly growing up in a multicultural environment where interaction across ethnic communities is common in schools, universities, workplaces and urban centers.

"Our children today are growing up in a different Kenya. Many of them can barely speak their mother tongues fluently because they have been raised in multicultural environments where they interact freely with people from different communities. They are united by common aspirations, education, technology and the shared challenges of building a better future," Ngetich said.

He argued that celebrating tribal identity as the foundation of political mobilization is outdated and inconsistent with the aspirations of a modern democratic nation.

According to Ngetich, Kenya's Constitution envisions a country where leadership is based on equality, justice, inclusion and service delivery rather than ethnic arithmetic.

"The Constitution belongs to all Kenyans. It does not recognize superior or inferior tribes. Every citizen deserves equal opportunities regardless of where they come from. Leaders must therefore inspire unity instead of encouraging divisions," he added.

The activist claimed that some political leaders from the Mt. Kenya region were celebrating what he termed the "success of tribal politics," saying such celebrations send the wrong message to young people who are striving to build a united nation.

He maintained that no community in Kenya can survive in political or economic isolation because every region depends on others through trade, investment, education, employment and social integration.

"There can never be an independent Kikuyu state within the Republic of Kenya. Kikuyus are spread across every county in this country. They own businesses, work in public and private institutions, and live peacefully alongside other communities. Likewise, members of other communities live and work in Mt. Kenya. Our strength lies in our diversity, not our divisions," he said.

Ngetich warned that any attempt to encourage ethnic exclusivity would not only weaken national cohesion but could also create unnecessary suspicion among communities that have coexisted peacefully for decades.

He further argued that Kenya has suffered in the past whenever politics has been reduced to tribal competition, saying the country should instead focus on addressing pressing national issues such as unemployment, the high cost of living, education, healthcare, food security and economic empowerment.

"Kenyans are struggling with real issues that cut across tribal lines. A young person looking for a job in Eldoret, Nyeri, Kisumu, Mombasa or Garissa faces similar challenges. Farmers are concerned about markets, traders want a stable economy, parents want quality education and affordable healthcare. These are the conversations leaders should be having," he stated.

Ngetich accused Gachagua of using ethnic mobilization as a political strategy, saying such politics risks eroding meritocracy by encouraging favoritism, nepotism and discrimination instead of equal opportunities for all qualified citizens.

He argued that when public appointments and political support are based primarily on tribal considerations, capable individuals from other communities may feel excluded, ultimately weakening public institutions.

"Kenya can only prosper when competence, integrity and professionalism are placed above tribal identity. Once ethnicity becomes the primary qualification for leadership or public service, institutions become weaker and citizens lose confidence in government," he observed.

The activist also warned that persistent ethnic rhetoric could heighten mistrust among communities and divert attention from development priorities.

"It is dangerous when citizens begin viewing one another as political enemies simply because they belong to different communities. Kenya's future depends on peace, justice, equality and inclusivity. Development cannot thrive where there is fear and suspicion," he said.

Ngetich called on political leaders across the country to embrace issue-based campaigns and avoid statements that could inflame ethnic tensions.

He noted that elections should provide an opportunity for leaders to present solutions to national challenges instead of appealing to tribal emotions.

"Our politics should revolve around ideas, policies and development. Leaders should compete on who has better plans for creating jobs, improving infrastructure, supporting farmers, strengthening healthcare and transforming the economy—not on who can mobilize the biggest ethnic bloc," he said.

The human rights activist contrasted the current political climate with the leadership approaches of former Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, arguing that although they hailed from the Mt. Kenya region, they ultimately presented themselves as presidents for all Kenyans.

"Whether people agreed or disagreed with their policies, they understood that the Presidency is a national office. A President must serve every Kenyan equally regardless of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation," he stated.

Ngetich also defended President William Ruto, saying his administration has continued to emphasize national unity and inclusivity through appointments and development initiatives across different regions of the country.

He urged leaders supporting and opposing the government alike to ensure their political engagements remain respectful and within the spirit of the Constitution.

Addressing professionals, business leaders, religious organizations and young people from the Mt. Kenya region, Ngetich encouraged them to reject divisive narratives and instead champion constitutional values, peace and national cohesion.

"The professionals and youth of Mt. Kenya have a critical role in shaping the future of this country. They should reject any politics that seeks to isolate them from fellow Kenyans. Kenya belongs to all of us, and our future depends on our ability to work together despite our differences," he said.

He further appealed to civil society organizations, religious leaders and educational institutions to intensify civic education on national unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence, particularly as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of future elections.

According to Ngetich, preventing ethnic polarization requires collective responsibility from political leaders, institutions and ordinary citizens.

"We are warning the people of Mt. Kenya that if they embrace politics founded on tribalism and isolation, they risk being alienated from the rest of the country. Kenya's prosperity cannot be built on ethnic supremacy or exclusion. It must be built on unity, justice, equality and mutual respect among all communities," he said.

He concluded by urging all Kenyans, regardless of their political affiliation, ethnic background or region, to reject hatred, tribalism and divisive politics and instead work together in strengthening democracy, protecting constitutional values and promoting peaceful coexistence.