Isiolo Governor Abdi Hassan Guyo has told residents of the county to be cautious of leaders who are pushing for tribalism and ethnic politics.
He said such leaders have no intentions of uniting people and delivering their manifesto.
"Why should people in Isiolo be divided by leaders who are not even residents of the county. Leaders who advise you to divide in terms of ethnic lines should be ignored," Guyo said.
Speaking in Isiolo on Saturday, the county boss said that irrespective of the community residents come from, they are all under one county.
Guyo noted that some leaders who are bringing tribalism to divide residents, have nothing to deliver.
"Leaders who know why they were elected are busy inspecting and starting projects to provide better services for residents. If one is busy sponsoring ukabila, will they have time to deliver their projects?' he posed.
The Governor was speaking during a thanksgiving ceremony organised by the Digalu Matari community at Elboran resort.
Northeastern and upper Eastern counties are hotspots of inter-community and resource-based conflicts.
Clan and ethnic politics dominated the race to succeed Governor Mohamed Kuti in the August 2022 elections.
Isiolo which is estimated to have 280,000 people according to IEBC, enjoys unique diversity, hosting almost all the 43 tribes in Kenya.
Going further, Governor Guyo urged residents to avoid voting for leaders based on their tribal lines in the future.
He told them that true leaders will always put the interest of residents first.
Looking at the August 2022 elections, the Governor commended Isiolo residents for voting for the leaders they want.
" You elected me as a Jubilee Governor, for the presidential votes you gave President William Ruto of UDA who is a Kalenjin. You voted for us because of what we promised to deliver but not on tribal," Guyo added.
In addition, the Governor vowed to deal away with tribal leaders and unite all Isiolo communities.
“As I promised, tribalism will not be an issue under my leadership. Isiolo is home to many communities, everyone will be treated equally,” Guyo said.
“The community will prosper when there is peace and under my watch a new dawn for the Isiolo people has come. We will bring the change you need,” he added.
