Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has said the outcome of the recently concluded Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election should serve as a wake-up call for Kenyans to reject tribal politics, arguing that President William Ruto is likely to secure re-election in the 2027 General Election because of what he described as his inclusive style of leadership.

Speaking on behalf of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, Ngetich congratulated the people of Ol Kalou for conducting what he termed a peaceful, orderly and democratic by-election. He said the calm atmosphere witnessed during voting demonstrated Kenyans' continued commitment to constitutional democracy despite heightened political competition.

"The Centre for Human Rights and Democracy congratulates the people of Ol Kalou Constituency for conducting a peaceful by-election. The electorate demonstrated political maturity by maintaining peace before, during and after the exercise. This is the kind of democratic culture that Kenya must continue to nurture," he said.

Despite praising the peaceful conduct of the election, Ngetich expressed concern over what he termed the increasing use of ethnic narratives in political campaigns, warning that Kenya risks reversing the democratic gains made over the years if leaders continue mobilizing support along tribal lines.

According to Ngetich, democracy should be anchored on policies, accountability, development and leadership competence rather than ethnic identity.

"We are, however, deeply concerned that our democratic space and electoral process are increasingly being influenced by leaders who seek political mileage through tribal mobilization instead of presenting policies that address the needs of ordinary Kenyans," he stated.

The activist claimed that although every political party has a right to campaign freely, leaders should avoid using ethnic sentiments that may divide communities and undermine national cohesion.

He argued that Kenya's Constitution envisions a nation where leadership is determined by ideas and service delivery rather than ethnic affiliation.

Links Ol Kalou By-Election to National Politics

Ngetich claimed the Ol Kalou by-election had exposed what he described as the continued influence of identity politics within the country's political landscape.

According to him, the contest should not simply be viewed as a local election but as an indicator of the political strategies likely to dominate the campaign period leading to the 2027 General Election.

He alleged that some opposition leaders were using ethnic identity to consolidate political support, warning that such an approach could polarize communities and weaken national unity.

"The outcome of the Ol Kalou by-election should concern every Kenyan because it demonstrates how easily elections can shift from debates about development and service delivery to discussions driven by ethnicity. That trend is dangerous for any democracy," he said.

Draws Historical Comparisons

Ngetich compared the current political environment to the elections of 1992 and 1997 during the late President Daniel arap Moi's administration.

He argued that Kenya has previously experienced periods where ethnic alignments heavily influenced electoral outcomes, adding that history provides important lessons on the dangers of political exclusion.

According to him, while President Moi eventually secured victories during those elections, the country paid a heavy price through increased political polarization.

He further argued that subsequent presidential victories by former President Mwai Kibaki and former President Uhuru Kenyatta were made possible through broad political coalitions that transcended ethnic divisions.

Ngetich claimed these historical experiences demonstrate that national leadership succeeds when it embraces inclusivity rather than exclusivity.

Claims Ruto Has Built a Broad-Based Government

The activist praised President William Ruto, saying the Head of State has deliberately sought to build a government that accommodates leaders from different political backgrounds and regions.

According to him, the formation of the broad-based government reflects an effort to reduce political exclusion and promote national unity.

He argued that by working with leaders from across the country, President Ruto has attempted to dismantle long-standing perceptions that government benefits only a few communities.

"The President has demonstrated through his appointments and political engagements that he wants every Kenyan to feel represented regardless of tribe, religion or region. This is the direction Kenya should continue taking," Ngetich said.

He claimed that development projects currently being implemented across different counties demonstrate what he termed the administration's commitment to equitable distribution of national resources.

Criticizes Rigathi Gachagua and DCP

Ngetich was particularly critical of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), accusing the former Deputy President of promoting ethnic politics.

He alleged that the opposition's political messaging seeks to isolate the Mt Kenya region from the national government despite what he described as the President's efforts to unite the country.

According to Ngetich, leaders should avoid creating perceptions that particular communities are under attack or excluded from government without sufficient evidence.

He further claimed that such narratives risk creating unnecessary fear and mistrust among citizens.

"The politics of fear, exclusion and ethnic victimhood should not define Kenya's future. Leaders should inspire hope through ideas and practical solutions instead of encouraging communities to view themselves as isolated from the rest of the country," he stated.

Calls for Issue-Based Politics

Ngetich urged political leaders preparing for the 2027 elections to focus on presenting clear manifestos addressing unemployment, healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure and the cost of living.

He argued that voters deserve issue-based campaigns that enable them to compare leadership records rather than ethnic affiliations.

"Politics should revolve around ideas, economic transformation, governance and accountability. Elections should be won because citizens believe in a leader's vision, not because of shared ethnicity," he said.

He warned that continued reliance on tribal politics could undermine investor confidence, discourage national cohesion and divert attention from pressing socio-economic challenges affecting ordinary Kenyans.

Appeals to Young People

The human rights activist also appealed to Kenya's youth to reject politicians who seek to mobilize them through ethnic divisions.

He urged young voters to evaluate leaders based on integrity, competence and their ability to improve livelihoods rather than emotional political rhetoric.

"The youth hold the future of this country. They should refuse to become instruments of division and instead champion peaceful coexistence, constitutionalism and democratic accountability," he said.

Ngetich further encouraged young people to participate actively in civic education, public policy discussions and democratic processes to strengthen Kenya's institutions.

Predicts Ruto Will Win in 2027

Based on what he described as President Ruto's inclusive leadership and national development agenda, Ngetich expressed confidence that the Head of State would secure a second term in office during the 2027 General Election.

He maintained that Kenyans would ultimately reject divisisive politics in favour of leaders promoting peace, unity and national cohesion.

"I believe President William Ruto will win re-election because many Kenyans appreciate the importance of unity, peace and inclusive governance. Kenya's future depends on leaders who bring citizens together rather than divide them," he said.

Calls for National Unity

Ngetich concluded by urging Kenyans from all communities to reject hatred, ethnic discrimination and political intolerance, saying the country's stability depends on leaders and citizens embracing unity.

He called upon all political actors to conduct peaceful campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections while respecting constitutional freedoms, democratic institutions and the rule of law.

"The future of Kenya will not be determined by tribe but by the choices we make as citizens. We must reject hatred, defend our democracy and ensure elections remain peaceful, credible and issue-driven. National unity must always come before political interests," he said.