It is progress when people vote for candidates outside their tribes

Ballot boxes and other election materials at Moi Secondary school in Nakuru on March 2, 2021 [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

The last few months have seen calls for unity of various ethnic communities ahead of the 2022 General Election.

Political parties with regional inclinations are being formed every other week to consolidate ethnic support. Seasoned politicians trying to reinvent themselves are competing with ambitious newcomers for the position of tribal spokespersons/kingpin. Everyone wants a seat at the table. They argue that their tribes need to vote as a bloc in order to secure their political interests and not be left out of the next government.