Time to end tribal politics

The impact of the Gen Z revolution in shaping perceptions about leadership and politics cannot be gainsaid. It is dawning on Kenyans that it is possible to have their voices hardened through marshalling tribeless troops that intensify the clamour for good governance. What transpired during this watershed period unveiled the fact that citizens have the power to decide their fate and how they should be governed. In addressing the elephant in the room, citizens had a unique unity of purpose regardless of the tribes or regions they hail from.

It is undeniable that leaders play a big role in spearheading tribal-based politics. As they grovel on their knees to garner votes, they organise people into tribal groups on the pretext of unifying them so that they cast their votes in "one basket."

This is a ploy they use to hoodwink their adherents and confine them in a parochial perception of politics. The Gen Zs and other enlightened Kenyans have known those tricks and are not braced to tolerate them. They have summoned enough courage to snub the beckon of political leaders. We have seen how politicians exude their traitorous predispositions and condescending demeanour when put on a pedestal. This explains why the rift between citizens and the political class is widening.

Tribal-based politics dictates that politicians ascend to power based on the population of their tribes. It implies that outstanding individuals with good leadership credentials but who come from less populous regions are doomed. When political bigwigs ink coalition deals, they choose regional supremos based on their tribes. It is perceived that people who come from vote-rich regions have the potential to siphon more votes. This notion sidelines the minority to the periphery wreaking disintegration.

It is time to discard tribal-based politics. In his inaugural speech, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki affirmed that Kenya is a home of possibilities that makes it possible for anybody to become anything.

Jacob Kamau is a High school teacher and journalism student at East Africa Institute of Certified Studies ( EAICS). [email protected]