Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has urged Kenyans to reject ethnic politics ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying the country’s leadership should be determined by competence and the ability to serve all citizens rather than tribal affiliations.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, where President Ruto hosted members of the. Friends Church (Quakers), Mudavadi warned that reducing elections to ethnic contests would undermine Kenya’s sovereignty, democracy and national unity.
“We must not change or give our sovereignty, our sovereign responsibility, and then reduce it to an ethnic poll,” Mudavadi said.
He stressed that anyone seeking national leadership must place the interests of all Kenyans above personal, political or ethnic considerations.
“The leadership of this nation is not about ethnic polling. It’s not about tribalism. It is about safeguarding the lives of all the 55, 56 million people in Kenya,” he added.
Warns Against Leadership Driven by Revenge
Mudavadi cautioned Kenyans against electing leaders motivated by bitterness, vengeance or personal grievances, arguing that such individuals cannot effectively govern a diverse nation.
“it is dangerous to give leadership and responsibility to an individual, be it a man or a woman, who is driven by vengefulness, vindictiveness and bitterness. Mtu kama huyo, do not give leadership,” he said.
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He added that national leadership requires patience, humility and a commitment to uniting the country.
“Somebody who is bitter, who is driven by vengefulness, who is driven by vindictiveness, cannot be trusted with leadership. We must stand firm as a nation and know that leading a nation is bigger and more complex. It requires patience and humility,” he stated.
Calls for Peace
The Prime Cabinet Secretary urged political leaders to champion peace and national cohesion, warning that conflict carries enormous human and economic costs.
“We must constantly ask ourselves, what is the economic value of peace? Or alternatively, what is the economic value of war and conflict? It is the same question, both sides of the same coin,” he said.
Mudavadi cited the devastating conflict in Sudan, saying millions of people had been displaced while schools, hospitals and other critical infrastructure had been destroyed.
“We are surrounded by conflict…In Sudan, almost 25 million people have been displaced. Millions are dead. Children are not going to school. They are not feeding. They have no clean water. The capital has been reduced to rubble,” he lamented.
He also pointed to the conflict in the Middle East, saying it has contributed to rising fuel prices and increased the cost of living in Kenya.
“The Middle East crisis may seem far, but it is affecting your home because the cost of fuel has gone up,” he said.
Defends Government Policies
Mudavadi defended the Kenya Kwanza administration’s response to global economic challenges, saying President Ruto’s government has introduced policies to cushion citizens from external shocks.
“Our President has got to figure out, in the middle of these rising costs and these challenges, how to have policies and interventions that can mitigate the impact of that war,” he explained.
He added that interventions aimed at stabilising fuel and fertililser prices have helped reduce pressure on households despite continued global instability.
“So the impact is going to be there. It calls for leadership, stability, planning, where President Ruto gives us direction. It is not as simple as it looks. It is our responsibility to speak the truth,” he said.
Reaffirms Quaker Faith, Backs Ruto’s Re-election
Mudavadi also used the occasion to reaffirm his identity as a member of the Friends Church, explaining that the manner in which he took his oath of office reflected Quaker traditions.
“When I went to take the oath of office, people asked whether I was an atheist. I told them, no. I’m not an atheist. I am a Quaker. That is our tradition,” he said.
The Prime CS further declared that members of the Friends Church would support President Ruto’s re-election campaign, citing his development agenda and commitment to peace and justice.
“We are firm. These people, the Quakers, have affirmed they shall work with President Ruto, they shall defend this Kenya, they shall maintain peace, and they shall seek justice for all,” Mudavadi stated.
Expressing confidence in Kenya’s democratic future, he said the country would hold peaceful elections in 2027.
“There shall be peaceful elections in Kenya. Kenya has maintained democratic principles, and President Ruto will uphold those rights for all Kenyans,” he said.
