‘STOP DIVIDING KENYANS’: HURUMA MCA KIMANI WANJOHI DEMANDS NCIC ACTION AGAINST MP JOSEPH WAINAINA

Huruma Ward MCA Kimani Wanjohi has launched a strong attack against nominated MP Joseph Wainaina over remarks he says are divisive, warning that inflammatory political statements could undermine peace and trigger ethnic tensions as Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election.

Wanjohi described Wainaina’s alleged utterances as unfortunate, ill-intentioned and unbecoming of a Member of Parliament, particularly at a time when political temperatures are gradually rising across the country.

The MCA said remarks allegedly telling Kenyans who do not support President William Ruto to leave the region and return to Central Kenya were dangerous and could create unnecessary tension among communities living together in Uasin Gishu and the wider North Rift.

He warned that Kenya should not repeat the mistakes of the past, particularly the events surrounding the 2007/08 post-election violence, when political and ethnic tensions escalated into deadly clashes in several parts of the country.

“I am at the forefront of ensuring there is peace. Any politician inciting residents should not be allowed to continue talking because such utterances can lead to war,” Wanjohi said.

‘Kenyans Have a Right to Live Anywhere’

Wanjohi reminded Wainaina that the Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to live, work, own property and participate in political activities anywhere in the country.

He rejected what he termed attempts to portray members of certain communities living in Uasin Gishu as foreigners, saying many residents had legally acquired land and built their homes and businesses in the region.

According to Wanjohi, political differences should never become a reason for one community to be told to leave an area or return to its ancestral home.

He said Kenyans should be free to support any political party or candidate without fear of intimidation.

“The Constitution is clear that everyone has a right to belong to any political party and to vote for the candidate of their choice. You cannot force people to vote for you; you can only ask them gently,” he said.

Wanjohi questioned why Wainaina would allegedly seek to force residents to support the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), saying voters should be allowed to make independent political choices.

He warned that attempts to force people into supporting a particular political party could instead provoke a backlash at the ballot.

“Why should Wainaina force people to vote for UDA? If they force us, we will vote otherwise,” Wanjohi said.

Wanjohi Defends Kikuyu Community

The Huruma MCA also came out strongly in defence of members of the Kikuyu community living in Uasin Gishu and other parts of the North Rift.

He said the community has lived and invested in the region for years and should not be subjected to threats or statements suggesting that they do not belong.

Wanjohi accused Wainaina of going beyond the limits expected of a leader who has been entrusted with a public position.

He said residents had respected Wainaina because of the leadership position he was given, but argued that such respect should not be interpreted as a licence to make statements that could divide communities.

“You were given that position to represent people and promote unity. You have now gone beyond what is expected of you,” Wanjohi said.

He particularly took issue with an alleged reference by Wainaina to using a “saw” to divide the Kikuyu community, questioning the authority behind such a statement.

“How can you say you will use a saw to divide the Kikuyus? Who gave you that mandate?” Wanjohi asked.

Challenges Wainaina to Campaign Everywhere

Wanjohi challenged Wainaina and his political allies to take their message to all parts of Uasin Gishu instead of allegedly making statements targeted at particular communities.

He said residents in Huruma, Munyaka and Langas should also hear the same political message being delivered in areas such as Kapseret and Ngeria.

“If what you are saying is right, come to Huruma, Munyaka and Langas and tell residents the same thing,” he said.

The MCA maintained that political leaders should be free to campaign and seek votes across the county, but warned that campaigns must be conducted peacefully and without ethnic mobilisation.

He said residents had told him they would resist any attempts to dictate their political choices.

Wanjohi stressed that political parties and candidates should convince voters through their policies, development record and leadership agenda rather than through threats or ethnic rhetoric.

Calls on Ruto to Intervene

The Huruma MCA also appealed directly to President William Ruto to intervene and prevent political leaders from using inflammatory rhetoric that could undermine relations between communities in the North Rift.

Wanjohi reminded the President of the support he received from voters in the region during previous elections, saying the electorate played a significant role in his political rise.

He specifically referred to the period when Ruto was engaged in political battles with former Rift Valley political rivals, saying communities in the region stood with him at the ballot.

“We majority voted for you to a man, and where you are is because we supported you,” Wanjohi said.

He urged the President not to allow political figures to exploit ethnic identities for political gain, saying such rhetoric could damage the unity that residents have worked to build over the years.

NCIC Asked to Summon Wainaina

Wanjohi further called on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to summon Wainaina and examine his alleged remarks.

He questioned how the country could effectively promote national cohesion while elected and nominated leaders were allegedly making statements capable of dividing communities.

“What is NCIC doing when an MP is threatening a whole community?” he asked.

Wanjohi said the commission should act swiftly whenever political leaders make statements that could be interpreted as incitement or ethnic mobilisation, regardless of their political affiliation.

He also questioned the suitability of Wainaina holding a leadership role associated with minority representation while allegedly making statements that could deepen divisions among communities.

‘We Want Peace’

Despite his criticism of Wainaina, Wanjohi insisted that his message was aimed at protecting peace and peaceful coexistence rather than escalating political confrontation.

He said Uasin Gishu is home to people from different communities and that residents have a shared interest in maintaining peace, economic development and social stability.

The MCA urged politicians seeking elective positions in 2027 to conduct their campaigns responsibly and respect the constitutional rights of voters.

He said no political party or individual leader should claim ownership of a particular community or region.

Wanjohi maintained that voters have the final say at the ballot and should be allowed to exercise that right freely.

He also called on political leaders to remember the consequences of the 2007/08 violence and avoid language that could reopen old wounds.

“Every Kenyan has a right to stay in every part of the country. We bought land, we live here and we have a right to participate in the political affairs of this country,” he said.

Wanjohi said Kenya needs leaders who can bring communities together rather than politicians who use ethnic differences to mobilise support.

He urged residents to remain peaceful and avoid responding to inflammatory statements with violence, saying political disagreements should be settled through dialogue and the ballot.

As the 2027 election approaches, Wanjohi said political leaders have a responsibility to protect Kenya’s peace and ensure that campaigns do not degenerate into ethnic confrontation.

He maintained that Uasin Gishu residents should be allowed to make their political choices without intimidation and called on all leaders to embrace tolerance, constitutionalism and national unity.