Nambale MP Aspirant Condemns Ethnic Threats, Warns Against Return to 2007 Political Intolerance

Okwara, who is seeking the Nambale parliamentary seat under the Linda Mwanchi movement, said democracy should be anchored on freedom of choice and persuasion rather than coercion and intimidation.

His remarks came in response to comments attributed to Hon. Wainaina, whom Okwara accused of telling members of the Kikuyu community who may choose not to support the government to “prepare to leave” in 2027.

Okwara termed the alleged remarks dangerous, arguing that no Kenyan should be threatened with displacement or exclusion because of their political choices.

“Democracy is about choice, not coercion. Politics is about persuasion, not intimidation,” Okwara said.

He cited Uasin Gishu's history of political contestation, saying the region and the country at large have experienced the devastating consequences of political intolerance.

According to Okwara, the violence that followed the disputed 2007 General Election demonstrated the dangers of turning political competition into ethnic hostility and treating elections as a matter of life and death.

He urged political leaders to learn from the past and avoid rhetoric that could deepen ethnic divisions ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Okwara further maintained that a Kenyan's right to live, work and own property anywhere in the country should not be determined by their political affiliation or the candidate they support.

He also invoked President William Ruto's previous calls against victimisation of Kenyans based on their political persuasion, saying such principles should apply equally to government supporters and critics.

“We cannot preach democracy with one hand and threaten citizens with the other,” Okwara said.

He called on Kenyans and political leaders to reject ethnic threats, political intimidation and exclusion, stressing that political alliances and governments may change but citizenship remains permanent.

“Kenya belongs to all of us. Our political choices may differ, governments may change, alliances may shift—but our citizenship is permanent,” he said.

Okwara's statement adds to growing political debate over the tone of political campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections, with calls for leaders to promote peaceful competition and avoid rhetoric that could inflame ethnic tensions.