Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has urged political leaders to reject hate speech and divisive politics, warning that inflammatory rhetoric could undermine national unity as the country heads toward the next General Election.
Speaking after a church service at St. Austin's Church in Westlands on Sunday, the governor appealed to politicians across the political divide to abandon campaigns built on hostility and instead focus on addressing the issues affecting ordinary Kenyans.
"I want to call upon all politicians, regardless of their political divide, that politics of hate and disunity will not help us. It will only divide us. Let us come together and listen to what the mwananchi is saying, and as we go about our politics, let us move away from hate and incitement," Sakaja said.
His remarks come at a time of growing concern over rising political tensions and isolated incidents of violence at public meetings, with leaders from different quarters calling for restraint and respect for democratic freedoms ahead of the election period.
Sakaja said political competition should be driven by ideas and policies rather than personal attacks or rhetoric that risks inflaming ethnic or political divisions.
The governor also challenged security agencies to take firm action against individuals accused of disrupting political gatherings, saying enough evidence already exists to identify and prosecute those responsible.
According to Sakaja, the continued use of hired groups to intimidate political opponents threatens peace and risks undermining public confidence in the country's democratic process.
"Let our agencies put their work where their money is and arrest those involved. It has been in the media, and there have even been exposés on the same. It is not difficult to identify them and bring them to book. A peaceful country is a focused country, and we must remain united," he said.
He maintained that every Kenyan has a constitutional right to participate in politics but stressed that political activities must be conducted peacefully, respectfully and within the confines of the law.
"We should not allow hate to take root among us. People in a democratic country are free to engage in politics, but it must be done in a decent manner," Sakaja added.
The governor emphasized that preserving peace and national cohesion should remain a shared responsibility for political leaders, security agencies and citizens alike as election preparations gather momentum.
His appeal adds to a growing chorus of voices urging restraint in political discourse amid concerns that inflammatory language and politically motivated violence could heighten tensions before the next polls.
With campaigns expected to intensify in the coming months, Sakaja said leaders should prioritize unity and respond to the needs of wananchi instead of pursuing politics that deepen divisions, arguing that a peaceful and united country is better placed to address its economic and social challenges.