In a spirited address from the pulpit of St. Augustine Catholic Church on Sunday, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula accused Kenya’s Opposition leaders of “stoking the fires of voter anger” as the country edges closer to the 2027 General Elections.
“The Opposition is on a calculated charm offensive, weaponising voter anger and hatred ahead of 2027,” Wetang’ula told a packed congregation. “This kind of politics can only lead us down a dangerous path.”
The Speaker was speaking during a church fundraiser in Njoro, a town still bearing the scars of the 2007-08 post-election violence. The region was one of the worst-hit, and Wetang’ula did not shy away from invoking that painful memory.
“Njoro paid a heavy price for tribal-driven politics. Let us not allow history to repeat itself,” he said.
With just two years left until the next vote, political temperatures are already rising. Wetang’ula’s remarks reflect growing concern among government allies that the Opposition could be drumming up resentment to gain support—an approach he warned might open the door to “unfit leaders” and fuel instability.
“Don’t vote out of hatred or vengeance,” he said firmly. “Ignore leaders whose agenda is to stir your emotions for their political gain.”
He called for calm, reasoned debate and issue-based campaigns, urging Kenyans to resist the pull of tribal loyalties. “Even if you’re desperate for the presidency,” he warned, “do not use your ambition to undermine our national unity. Kenya belongs to all of us.”
Wetang’ula also defended ODM leader Raila Odinga’s recent cooperation with President William Ruto, calling it “a mature and patriotic move.”
“Those castigating Raila for working with President Ruto are not interested in Kenya’s future,” he said. “They thrive on discord and dysfunction.”
His remarks come amid growing signs of political realignment in the country. Raila’s engagement with Ruto’s government has split opinion, with some supporters branding it betrayal, while others see it as a sign of statesmanship.
Wetang’ula was joined by a group of lawmakers who echoed his message. Njoro MP Charity Kathambi said the region cannot afford to revisit the ethnic tensions of the past. “We must stand united. This time, we choose peace,” she said.
Kimilili’s Didmus Barasa, Webuye East’s Martin Pepela, and Nakuru County MP Liza Chelule also spoke, backing Wetang’ula’s call for national unity and cautioning against divisive politics.
As the countdown to 2027 continues, the message from Njoro was clear: the past holds painful lessons, and Kenya must not repeat them.
