Activist Kipkorir Ngetich Urges Kenyans to Support President Ruto’s War Against Tribalism

Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has called on Kenyans to rally behind President William Ruto’s campaign against tribalism, ethnic divisions and marginalisation, saying the country needs a political culture that prioritises equality, national unity and shared prosperity.

Ngetich, in a statement issued through the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, commended President Ruto for what he described as courage and determination in challenging ethnic-based political networks and promoting an inclusive national agenda.

The activist argued that tribalism has remained one of the major obstacles to national cohesion and equitable development in Kenya, with political competition frequently shaped by ethnic alliances rather than policies, ideologies and development priorities.

He said the President had demonstrated what he considers a different approach to leadership by advocating for a country where every Kenyan can access opportunities and benefit from development regardless of their ethnic background or region of origin.

According to Ngetich, many African leaders have historically relied on ethnic networks to mobilise voters, secure political loyalty and maintain power, making it difficult to dismantle systems of patronage that reinforce divisions among communities.

He argued that Kenya should move away from such political arrangements and embrace a system in which leaders are judged by their policies, development record and commitment to serving all citizens.

Ngetich maintained that political leadership should not be driven by the interests of particular communities but by the broader needs of the country, adding that ethnic mobilisation risks creating suspicion and weakening relationships among Kenyans.

“The country's social and economic benefits should be enjoyed by all Kenyans equally without favour,” the activist said in his statement, emphasising the need for fairness in the distribution of opportunities and public resources.

He further argued that the fight against tribalism should go beyond political statements and translate into practical efforts to ensure that all communities feel represented, respected and included in the country's development agenda.

### Ngetich backs Ruto’s Usawa movement

The activist expressed support for President Ruto’s call for *Usawa*, saying the message of equality should form the foundation of a new political direction in Kenya.

Ngetich urged Kenyans who believe in national unity and peaceful coexistence to support initiatives that bring communities together rather than those that exploit ethnic differences for political gain.

He argued that politics based on tribal identity could deepen divisions, encourage discrimination and undermine efforts to address social and economic inequalities.

According to the activist, Kenya needs a political environment in which citizens can freely associate, compete for leadership positions and express their views without being divided along ethnic lines.

He said the country’s future depended on the ability of its citizens to recognise their shared interests and work together towards common development goals.

Ngetich also maintained that political disagreements should be based on competing ideas, policies and leadership approaches rather than ethnic identity.

He warned that leaders and political actors who rely on tribal mobilisation risk undermining the progress made towards building a cohesive nation.

The activist further alleged that some businesspeople were financing political activities that promote ethnic hostility and division. However, he did not identify the individuals he accused or provide evidence to substantiate the allegations in his statement.

He called on Kenyans to remain vigilant against political messaging that could inflame ethnic tensions, saying national interests should take precedence over individual or group political ambitions.

### Calls on Gen Z to reject tribal politics

Ngetich also appealed to members of Generation Z to take an active role in shaping a political culture that rejects tribalism and promotes equal treatment of all citizens.

He said young people had an opportunity to redefine Kenya’s political future by demanding issue-based leadership, accountability and policies that address the needs of ordinary citizens.

The activist noted that a generation that places national identity above ethnic divisions could help weaken the influence of tribal politics and create room for more inclusive democratic participation.

He urged young Kenyans to maintain their commitment to a united country and support efforts aimed at ensuring that public institutions serve all citizens fairly.

Ngetich argued that the fight against tribalism should not be left to politicians alone, saying ordinary citizens, civil society organisations, religious leaders, businesspeople and young people all had a responsibility to promote peaceful coexistence.

He added that communities should resist attempts to turn political differences into ethnic hostility, particularly during periods of heightened political competition.

### Development and marginalisation debate

The activist also linked the administration’s development agenda to the broader question of national inclusion, arguing that investment in different parts of the country could help address historical perceptions of marginalisation.

He said equitable development was important in ensuring that citizens from different regions felt part of the national project and had access to essential services and economic opportunities.

According to Ngetich, infrastructure, public services and economic opportunities should be distributed fairly, without discrimination based on ethnicity, political affiliation or geographical location.

He maintained that national unity would be strengthened when citizens could see tangible improvements in their lives and trust that public resources were being used to benefit the country as a whole.

The activist described the fight against tribalism as an important component of efforts to promote economic growth, social cohesion, political stability and democratic governance.

He argued that ethnic divisions could distract leaders and citizens from addressing pressing challenges such as unemployment, poverty, inequality and the need to expand economic opportunities.

Ngetich said Kenya needed to build a political culture in which development priorities and public welfare take centre stage, rather than allowing ethnic considerations to dominate national conversations.

His remarks come amid continuing public debate over the relationship between political alliances, ethnic identity, equitable development and national unity.

### Wants Africa to move beyond ethnic divisions

Ngetich said the campaign against tribalism should extend beyond Kenya, arguing that other African countries could also benefit from political systems that promote inclusion and reduce ethnic-based competition.

He maintained that ethnic divisions have contributed to political tensions and social inequalities in parts of the continent, calling for a shift towards leadership based on policies, accountability and the interests of citizens.

The activist further argued that colonial-era divide-and-rule practices exploited divisions among African communities and that modern African societies should work towards overcoming such divisions.

He described tribal politics as an outdated approach that should have no place in a modern and progressive society, urging political leaders to promote cooperation among communities.

Ngetich said stronger national institutions, fair distribution of resources and equal opportunities could help African countries build more stable and prosperous societies.

He called on political leaders to avoid rhetoric that pits one community against another, insisting that national development requires cooperation across ethnic and regional boundaries.

The activist reiterated his support for President Ruto’s call for *Usawa*, urging Kenyans to embrace the principle of one nation and one people.

He said the country should move towards a future in which citizens are judged by their contributions, ideas and conduct rather than their ethnic backgrounds.

Ngetich concluded by appealing to Kenyans to reject tribal hatred and support initiatives that promote justice, equality, peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity.

He maintained that the success of efforts to fight tribalism would ultimately depend on the willingness of both leaders and citizens to place the country's collective interests above ethnic loyalties.

The activist’s statement adds to the ongoing national conversation on ethnic politics and inclusive governance, with questions of equitable development, political accountability and national cohesion remaining central to Kenya’s public debate.