Nairobi Woman Representative aspirant Everlyne Cherobon Koech has warned political leaders against reviving ethnic and divisive rhetoric ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying Kenya must not return to the political environment that preceded the 2007 post-election violence.
Addressing journalists in Nairobi on Friday during a Kitwek Nairobi Forum press conference, Koech raised concern over what she described as increasingly inflammatory political statements and narratives that risk creating fear, suspicion and ethnic tension among Kenyans.
She particularly rejected claims about the existence of organised “Nandi warriors” allegedly preparing to defend or attack political interests, terming the claims false, irresponsible and dangerous.
Koech said similar narratives and ethnic stereotypes were witnessed before the 2007 General Election and contributed to mistrust, profiling and ultimately violence that left more than 1,000 people dead and displaced hundreds of thousands.
She said the Kalenjin community, like other Kenyan communities, suffered heavily during the crisis and warned against attempts to revive narratives that could once again portray an entire community as responsible for political violence.
Koech also criticised remarks attributed to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over possible electoral malpractice in the 2027 elections, saying references to the 2007 violence should never be used as a political threat.
She argued that electoral disputes must instead be handled through lawful institutions, transparent processes and the courts.
The Nairobi Woman Representative aspirant further condemned the growing practice of branding political opponents and leaders as “traitors” and “outsiders,” saying such language echoed the divisive politics of 2007.
She also criticised what she described as political leaders protecting individuals accused of inflammatory rhetoric because of political alliances or ethnic considerations.
Koech called on political parties and leaders to reject hate speech irrespective of who is responsible and allow the law to apply equally to all Kenyans.
She urged political leaders to place peace, national unity and the country’s stability above short-term political interests, warning that the lessons of 2007 should remain a permanent reminder of the consequences of political incitement.
Backing her position, the forum’s Chairperson Bryan Chebii termed DCP’s leader Rigathi Gachagua’s recent remarks as unfortunate and should be avoided by all political leaders
Chebii pleaded with the political class to avoid issuing inflammatory remarks that has potential to fuel tribal clashes and instead embrace unity, peace, cohesion and foster a unified nation to founded by shared common goals and development