National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged both leaders and citizens to reject tribal politics and embrace a more inclusive approach to national development.

Speaking during a Women Empowerment Programme in Msambweni, Kwale County, Wetang’ula emphasised the need to prioritise equality, dignity, and opportunity for all Kenyans, regardless of ethnicity or region.

“I have championed the empowerment of women for many years, because when you uplift a woman, you uplift a nation,” said Speaker Wetang’ula. “But beyond gender, we must also confront a deeper wound—tribal politics. Kenya belongs to all of us, not to one region, one community, or one name. Our strength lies in our unity.”

Citing independence-era icons Ronald Ngala and Masinde Muliro, Wetang’ula highlighted their vision of a united Kenya.

He praised their ability to rise above regional and ethnic differences, describing them as patriots guided by a common national purpose.

“The two leaders came from different regions but walked side by side as brothers, guided by one vision. They didn’t see tribe, they saw country,” he said. 

The event also featured remarks from several leaders who echoed Wetang’ula’s call for national cohesion and warned against divisive politics.

Uriri MP Mark Nyamita cautioned young people against being manipulated by power-hungry politicians.

“The next generation are our future leaders. Let us not incite them while destroying their life,” he warned.

National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro criticised renewed calls for mass action and political nostalgia, taking a swipe at those invoking the legacy of the Saba Saba movement.

“Why are you going for Saba Saba, yet that was a movement led by political parties?” Osoro posed, suggesting that current protests lack ideological grounding.

Emurua Dikirr MP Johanna Ng’eno questioned the motives of those opposing government-led development efforts. 

“With all the problems we have had since independence, why would you be against any government trying to bring development?” he asked.

Nandi Hills MP Benard Kitur called for a national identity beyond tribal affiliations.

“We need to be Kenyans, not tribalists,” Kitur asserted. 

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir expressed concern over leaders who, he claimed, were more focused on political sabotage than regional progress.

“Some leaders don’t have the urge for us to move forward as a region. We must stop following those whose only agenda is to take us backward,” said Governor Nassir.

Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho added his voice, criticising opposition leaders for their lack of constructive engagement and highlighting their previous tenure in power.

“Most of the leaders against our President were leaders as well. Even with their numbers, they don’t get to decide who is the President,” Joho said. “It is easy to criticise and oppose without offering an alternative. Let the opposing leaders show us what they did when they were in leadership.”