Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has expressed his opinion on tribal politics in Kenya. He stated that it is senseless for any leader in Kenya to play the tribal card. According to him, it is pure balderdash for leaders to be tribal in the country, as it is nonsensical to divide people based on their ethnic background. The vocal and controversial MP also added that most leaders elected in the country are stupid.
These remarks come at a time when elected leaders are teaming up along their tribal affiliations to push for specific agendas for their regions. It is common in Kenya for politicians to campaign based on the tribal lines of their constituents. However, during the 2022 campaigns ahead of the August General elections, the campaigns were largely based on the country’s economic transformation as opposed to voting along tribal lines like it was in the past.
President William Ruto, who was then the Deputy President, urged Kenyans to reject leaders who were banking on tribal politics to ascend to power. It seems that the Embakasi East MP shares the same sentiments with President Ruto.
The MP’s remarks elicited mixed reactions from Twitter users. Some agreed with him, stating that it is high time Kenya moves past tribal politics. Others criticized him for using derogatory language to describe his colleagues in parliament. Regardless of the reactions, it is clear that the issue of tribalism in Kenyan politics remains a hot topic that requires addressing.
