Tribal politics biggest threat to democracy, national cohesion

Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani (centre right) before the Senate Standing Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunities and Regional Integration to deliberate on the representation of Kenya's Diversity in their staff composition of the institutions at Bunge Towers,Nairobi . August 26th,2024. [Elvis Ogina,Standard]

In a constitutional democracy, the rule of law does not take a sabbatical. The greatest peril we continually face as a nascent democracy is not the lack of quality leadership, but rather the presence of leadership motivated by nothing other than parochial interests domiciled within tribal cells.

Following the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, various tribal conglomerations are gaining traction, and the whipping up of ethnic emotions is intensifying as the 2027 elections approach. We must reject the practice of trading in tribalism for political relevance. We must be willing to make sacrifices to improve human life rather than contribute to the misery of humanity by living off untidy politics.