Nairobi: Renowned legal scholar and governance expert Prof. PLO Lumumba has raised concerns about potential ethnic divisions in the country due to increasing tribal rhetoric and political polarization. He highlighted that recent political outbursts following Raila Odinga's burial have reignited ethnic-based exchanges, threatening national unity and development.
According to Kenya News Agency, Lumumba spoke at the third African Youth Leadership Forum at Mount Kenya University. He noted that the current tribal discourse, combined with heightened political tensions despite being two years away from the next general elections, suggests a nation ensnared in toxic identity politics. Lumumba urged leaders to prioritize ideas, integrity, and service delivery over tribal affiliations, warning that the politics of ethnicity and personality cults could hinder Kenya's progress.
Lumumba called on the youth to reject manipulation by politicians who exploit tribal sentiments for personal gain. He encouraged young people to actively demand accountability, transparency, and good governance, emphasizing that their involvement is crucial for the nation's future. Lumumba stressed that politics should focus on development and transformation, not ethnicity or hate speech, and he challenged the youth to engage in leadership and governance to shape the country's future.
Participants at the forum, led by Harrison Njoroge, an alumnus of the University of Embu, reported that the discussions transformed their understanding of leadership, governance, and nation-building. They urged politicians to refrain from fueling ethnic divisions and vowed not to be used to advance tribal agendas. Njoroge emphasized the need for sensitization forums to warn peers about the dangers of tribal manipulation.
Leona Chebet, the Executive Advisor of the African Youth Leadership Forum, stated that the event provided a platform for networking, mentorship, and capacity building, enabling youth to identify community challenges and design local solutions.