We'll not allow disgruntled leaders to incite chaos – Ichung’wah

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah at a past event/KIMANI ICHUNG'WAH

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has warned against attempts by politicians to sow division among Kenyans, reaffirming the government’s stance against incitement.

Speaking on Saturday in Kibirichia, Buuri constituency, Meru county, Ichung’wah said the government would not allow any individuals or groups to exploit generational differences for political gain.

“We will not allow a group of disgruntled leaders who have no agenda for Kenya to incite an inter-generational divide in our country and weaponise the generation of our young people against other Kenyans,” he said.

He accused unnamed leaders of previously attempting to stoke ethnic tensions, a tactic he said had failed.

“They have now decided to change tactics and try to divide generations from generations,” he added.

Ichung’wah emphasised that Kenya is home to people of all age groups and unity across generations must be preserved.

“It is unethical to use the Gen Zs to incite chaos,” he noted, warning political actors against manipulating the youth for selfish interests.

The Majority Leader’s remarks come amid heightened political rhetoric and growing concern over the involvement of youth in national protests and political activism.

Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula on Saturday openly criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of using divisive ethnic politics to advance his own political ambitions.

Speaking at a fundraising event held at Machongo PAG Secondary School in Bomachoge Chache constituency, Wetang’ula condemned Gachagua’s campaign approach, which he described as one that seeks to divide Kenyans along tribal lines.

“You cannot become president of this country by rotating around one mountain,” Wetang’ula said, referring to what many see as Gachagua’s narrow regional focus.

He also challenged the absence of leaders from other regions, such as Mt Elgon, in the national political conversation.

“Political competition is healthy and inevitable, but it must not be conducted through insults, tribal balkanisation, or unproductive political theatrics,” Wetang’ula stressed.

He called on both government and opposition leaders to promote national unity and avoid rhetoric that undermines social cohesion.

“There is no superior community in Kenya. Tribal politics threaten our collective peace and progress,” he added, urging Gachagua to reconsider his political methods.