LEADERS CONDEMN JOSEPH WAINAINA’S ALLEGED REMARKS, WARN OF RISING POLITICAL TENSIONS IN UASIN GISHU

By Hubz Media | Uasin Gishu

Political leaders in Uasin Gishu County have strongly condemned remarks attributed to nominated Member of Parliament Joseph Wainaina Iraya, accusing him of making statements that could heighten ethnic and political tensions in the North Rift ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The leaders, led by Huruma Ward MCA Kimani Wanjohi, said political leaders have a responsibility to promote peaceful coexistence and should avoid rhetoric that could intimidate communities or influence voters through fear.

Wanjohi described the alleged remarks as unfortunate and unbecoming of a legislator, warning that inflammatory political statements could reopen wounds left by the 2007/08 post-election violence.

“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.

NDINDI NYORO, GATHONI WA MUCHOMBA JOIN CRITICISM

The criticism has also spread beyond Uasin Gishu, with Kiharu MP and People’s Party of Kenya (PPK) party leader Ndindi Nyoro calling out the nominated MP over the remarks.

Nyoro warned against using political campaigns to threaten or intimidate communities, saying leaders should instead seek public support through persuasion and respect for voters’ choices.

He was joined by Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, who also condemned the alleged statements and called for swift action by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC).

“The utterances by Nominated MP Hon Wainaina Kabaiku in Uasin-Gishu are unacceptable!” Wamuchomba said.

“You cannot threaten a community in the name of elections. Telling Kikuyus to vacate Eldoret area is a dangerous route. You are out of order!”

Wamuchomba further cautioned political leaders against attempting to win support through threats, saying acceptance should be built through engagement and humility.

“Leaders cannot endear themselves to the people by force. If people don’t want a certain leader, don’t use threats; appeal and seek acceptability in humility,” she said.

She also said the alleged remarks offered an indication of what Kenyans should expect during the 2027 political campaigns.

“At least now we know what to expect in 2027 from your script,” Wamuchomba said, adding that she expected NCIC to act swiftly.

“I expect NCIC to make another arrest very swiftly,” she added.

MCA DEFENDS RESIDENTS’ RIGHT TO LIVE AND VOTE FREELY

Wanjohi said residents from different communities have a constitutional right to live, work, own property and participate in political activities anywhere in Kenya.

He rejected what he described as attempts to portray members of the Kikuyu community living in Uasin Gishu and the wider North Rift as outsiders.

According to the MCA, many residents have lived in the region for decades, acquired property and established businesses, making the region a shared home for communities from across the country.

“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,” Wanjohi said.

He questioned why Wainaina would allegedly seek to compel residents to support the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), arguing that voters should be free to make their own political decisions.

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

WARNINGS OVER 2007/08 POST-ELECTION VIOLENCE

Wanjohi said political leaders should be particularly careful with their language in the Rift Valley, given the region’s history of election-related violence.

He warned that ethnic and political rhetoric could create fear and mistrust among communities living and doing business together.

The MCA said Kenya should not repeat the events of 2007/08, when political tensions following the disputed presidential election escalated into widespread violence that affected several parts of the country.

“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,” Wanjohi said.

WANJOHI CHALLENGES WAINAINA TO CAMPAIGN ACROSS THE COUNTY

Wanjohi also challenged Wainaina and his political allies to take their message to all parts of Uasin Gishu and seek votes without targeting particular communities.

He specifically cited Huruma, Munyaka and Langas, saying residents in those areas should be engaged through political messaging based on policies and development rather than ethnic mobilisation.

“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 politicians have a constitutional right to campaign for their preferred parties and candidates, but said the exercise must be conducted peacefully and within the law.

CALL FOR NCIC INTERVENTION

Wanjohi has called on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to summon Wainaina and investigate the remarks attributed to him.

He questioned whether leaders entrusted with promoting national unity should make statements that could potentially deepen divisions among communities.

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

He urged the commission to act whenever political statements cross the line into alleged incitement or ethnic mobilisation, regardless of the political affiliation of the person involved.

CALL FOR PRESIDENT RUTO TO INTERVENE

The Huruma MCA also appealed to President William Ruto to intervene and discourage political leaders from making statements that could undermine peaceful coexistence in the North Rift.

Wanjohi reminded the President of the political support he received from the region during previous elections.

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

He urged the President to ensure that political competition does not exploit ethnic identities or create divisions among communities.

‘WE WANT PEACE’

Despite his criticism of Wainaina, Wanjohi said his intervention was intended to defend peace rather than escalate political confrontation.

He urged residents to avoid responding to inflammatory rhetoric with violence, saying political disagreements should ultimately be resolved through dialogue, constitutional processes and the ballot.

With the 2027 General Election drawing closer, the leaders have called for responsible political discourse, warning that inflammatory rhetoric could undermine the fragile peace in parts of the Rift Valley.

The leaders say politicians should seek votes through persuasion, policies and their leadership record, rather than threats or ethnic mobilisation.