By Anderson Ojwang
In Kiambu County, former President Uhuru Kenyatta touched on the thorny matter of the political narratives of hustler and dynasty in the 2022 presidential contest between Kenya Kwanza presidential candidate, William Ruto, and Azimio la Umoja candidate, the late Raila Amolo Odinga.
He was speaking in Kiambu of the Mt Kenya region, which was swayed by the political narratives of the hustler nation against the dynasties, and overwhelmingly voted for Ruto against Uhuru’s preferred candidate, Raila.
Currently, Mt Kenya, the political bedroom of UDA, is rebelling and has been witnessing political riots in the recent past, while Nyanza, once perceived as a hostile and violent region, has maintained unusual calm.
“What has the narrative of hustlers and dynasties brought to you? What will it bring to you? Now wait to be told another politics of the tribe. What will it bring to you apart from problems? Do not agree and accept, but remain focused and look ahead for change that will improve your well-being,” he said.
President Ruto ran on the narrative of a hustler nation against the Raila-Uhuru team, which they described as political dynasties that must be sent home and away from the country’s leadership.
In this context, hustlers refer to those – especially young people – who struggle to make ends meet in an economy that is said to be no longer working for them.
The word dynasties, on the other hand, is a moniker to describe wealthy families that are seen to have dominated politics – and the economy – since independence from the UK in the 1960s.
Uhuru accused those in the government of plotting to use the narrative of tribe to win votes and warned that they were setting a wrong precedent.
“How many tribes live in Kiambu? You have accommodated them, and they live here. Some you have even elected as MCAs because of their leadership qualities and not tribe. Let us support our neighbours regardless of their tribe because when they develop, you also grow,” he said.
Uhuru warned that the politics of tribalism could easily land Kenya back in the dark days of the 2007 general elections.
“As a nation, it is important to be honest and truthful because if we don’t talk the truth, we will regress to old mistakes we made in this country. It is not the first time to witness leaders speak on things that can bring chaos in the country. The last time we saw was in 2007, and what happened? Don’t think it started there with the elections. No, it started with the kind of statements by the political class, and currently we are witnessing the same today,” he said.
Uhuru warned against politics of tribe and division, saying it will undermine unity in the country.
“We have started to see others playing politics of division, and they speak those things in front of those leading the nation. They are inciting and want to bring chaos, and nobody in the leadership is standing out to stop and warn them against such statements,” he said.
Uhuru appealed to the country’s leadership and security officers to clamp down on such statements aimed at creating chaos in the country.
“I ask government officials and security officers, if you love your country, don’t allow such utterances. Let everyone sell their policies and manifesto. That is our work,” he said.
Uhuru challenged the political class to practice politics of ideology and issue-based engagement.
“We cannot allow ourselves to be divided because we are all Kenyans. Let us talk about what we will do for Kenyans and how we will solve the current problems we have in Kenya. This is our ideology and political game plan to leadership,” he said.
Uhuru challenged the youths to vie for leadership positions to help change the destiny of the country.
“Let the youths take over the leadership. Don’t be a leader of cheap popularity, as it will take you nowhere. Be a leader who can uplift your brothers and sisters and make a difference in someone’s life,” he said.
Uhuru said the harsh economic times were the actual problem facing Kenyans and should be addressed.
“We know where the problem lies. Deal with the issue, and it is simple. People are rioting because of harsh economic times in the country. Look at the trouble affecting the country and stop getting into tribal politics. If you want us to solve the problem, invite us. Stop the blame game. We know where the problem is. Let us get to the table and find a solution,” he said.
Uhuru said he was committed to ensuring the Jubilee Party was a national party and not a tribal one.
“I want our party to be a national party and not a tribal one. We are a national party. Unite and work for everyone,” he said.
