Kakamega: Political leaders from Western Kenya allied to the Kenya Kwanza administration have asked Kenyans to reject leaders out to divide them on tribal and regional lines.

Led by Kakamega governor Fernandes Barasa, the politicians singled out former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya as those promoting divisive politics.

Speaking during a Sunday, June 29, service at Cornerstone Church in Lurambi constituency, Barasa said leaders must unite and ensure peaceful coexistence amongst all Kenyans irrespective of their political affiliation

"I urge Kenyans not to follow tribal Wamunyoro and his friends, including Natembeya, because they don’t want to see this country move forward. We must unite and ignore them at all costs,” the governor said.

The county boss, who was elected on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket, further said President William Ruto deserves to be given a second term based on his development track record.

Similar sentiments were shared by Lurambi Member of Parliament Titus Khamala, who accused Gachagua of seeking to divide the country and cause mayhem.

Khamala also asked young people to consider engaging President Ruto in a constructive dialogue instead of resorting to holding protests, which often lead to the destruction of properties.

“If we burn this country, we are the ones who will suffer. We don’t have another country that will replace the one we have. It’s best if we put our heads together and ignore leaders whose interests is political gain at the expense of the country,” the MP said.

The event was also attended by the National Assembly Leader of the Majority, Kimani Ichung’wah, who expressed concerns that divisive politics were likely to derail the country’s development agenda.

Ichung’wah said the recent massive destruction of properties during the Gen Z protests in several parts of the country was financed by a few politicians scheming to take over the government by force.

Previously, reported that Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has termed the June 25 Gen Z protests as an attempt to topple the current government.

Murkomen noted that the protests, which were witnessed in at least 23 counties, were deliberate and well-funded.

He said the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had already launched a probe into the protests that saw over 11 people killed, 400 injured and properties worth millions of shillings destroyed.

Gen Z took to the streets to mark a year since the infamous Occupy Parliament protests, which were the climax of their anti-Finance Bill demonstrations that rocked the country. They forced President Ruto to withdraw the controversial bill.

Source: TUKO.co.ke