Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has cautioned politicians against using tribalism, violence and hate to gain political support ahead of the 2027 General Election, urging Kenyans to make their choices based on the ideas and performance of individual candidates.
Speaking in Kakamega, Sakaja said every Kenyan has an equal right to participate in the country’s political affairs and warned against rhetoric that seeks to divide citizens along ethnic or regional lines.
“Siasa ya ukabila haitatupeleka pahali, I want to assure you. Siasa ya shares, sijui siasa ya nini, watu wangu, watu wangu, kila Mkenya ako na haki ya kuwa katika taifa letu,” Sakaja said.
The governor called on political leaders to promote tolerance and allow their opponents to campaign and express their views without intimidation. He maintained that political competition should focus on policies, ideas and service delivery rather than violence or threats.
“Politics should never be about violence, hate or tribalism. Let us give everyone an opportunity to express themselves and engage in ideas, while allowing Kenyans to choose leaders based on their track record, what they stand for and what they promise to do for the people,” he said.
Sakaja also warned politicians against mobilising young people to attack their rivals, saying violence and intimidation would not translate into electoral support.
“Mambo ya kutuma vijana kuwapiga, mambo ya vita haina, hautapata kura through that. Let people listen to ideas,” he said.
Let Voters Decide
The Nairobi governor further urged political leaders to give voters the freedom to listen to different candidates, compare their positions and independently determine who deserves their support.
“Even here in Kakamega, let everyone listen to the ideas, exchange ideas, because ultimately mwananchi ndio ataamua,” he said.
Sakaja noted that voters would ultimately determine who occupies various elective positions, including the presidency, governorships, Senate seats, Woman Representative positions and National Assembly constituencies.
“Mwananchi ataamua nani ni rais, ataamua nani ni gavana, nani ni seneta, nani ni women rep, nani ni mbunge,” he said.
He called on politicians and their supporters to respect differing opinions as the country moves closer to the 2027 polls, arguing that healthy political competition requires tolerance and respect for divergent views.
“Let us embrace tolerance, respect different views and build a Kenya where leaders compete through ideas, performance and service to the people not division,” Sakaja said.
The governor also cautioned Kenyans to expect increased political realignments and party movements in the months ahead as politicians position themselves for the next election.
He said political activity would likely intensify between September and February, describing the expected movement of politicians between parties as a political “wildebeest migration.”
“So watu wache kubabaika. Unaona sasa we are in August. Between September mpaka February mtaona maneno mingi. Hiyo ndio inaitwa wildebeest migration,” he said.
Sakaja added that voters would witness politicians leaving one party for another as the political landscape shifts ahead of the election.
“Mtaona maneno mingi. Watu wanahama vyama, mwingine anatoka hapa anaingia ingine, ni sarakasi tu. Nyinyi muwe macho,” he added.
Scrutinise Political Promises
Sakaja urged voters not to be swayed by political rhetoric, party defections or emerging alliances, instead encouraging them to carefully scrutinise the records and promises of those seeking elective positions.
He said Kenyans should consider what politicians have accomplished, what they stand for and what they intend to deliver before deciding who deserves their support.
The governor’s remarks come as political parties and leaders increasingly position themselves for the 2027 General Election, with new alliances, defections and political formations expected to reshape the electoral landscape in the months ahead.
Sakaja encouraged Kenyans to remain attentive to competing political messages and evaluate candidates carefully before making their decisions.
“But Kenyans make a bright decision. Muwaskize,” he said.
He maintained that Kenya’s political future should be driven by ideas, performance and service to citizens rather than ethnic divisions, violence or intolerance, with the ultimate power to determine the country’s leaders resting with voters.
