President William Ruto in Siaya County on March 8, 2026./FAITH MATETEPresident William Ruto and leaders in Siaya county on March 8, 2026./FAITH MATETEPresident William Ruto is addressing residents in Siaya County on March 8, 2026./FAITN MATETE
President William Ruto has cautioned leaders against promoting tribal and divisive politics, saying Kenya has moved beyond ethnic divisions and exclusion.
Speaking in Bondo, the President said there was no longer room for politics that divide communities along ethnic lines, urging leaders to instead focus on policies and development.
Ruto said some politicians were still clinging to tribal rhetoric and insults instead of presenting clear agendas to Kenyans.
“There are still people with the hangover of tribalism who want to divide the people of Siaya County. I want to advise them for free that there is no room anymore for divisive politics in Kenya,” he said.
The President noted that Kenyans now expect leaders to present ideas and development plans rather than engage in name-calling or empty political slogans.
“There is no room for politics of insults, name-calling, empty rhetoric, tribalism or division. Kenyans want leaders with vision, an agenda and programmes that can transform the country,” he said.
Ruto urged voters to elect leaders based on their development record and plans for the future rather than ethnic affiliation.
He said the country had reached a point where leaders must be judged by their track record and their ability to deliver development.
“We are past the politics of tribalism. Kenyans want to measure leaders by their agenda, their plans and their track record of transforming the nation,” he said.
The President also dismissed political slogans such as “one term” and “must go,” saying they do not provide solutions to the challenges facing the country.
“If you are serious about leadership, tell Kenyans about your agenda and how you will change the country. Do not take Kenyans for fools,” he added.