Renowned governance expert Prof. PLO Lumumba has cautioned that Kenya’s growing tribal rhetoric and political polarization are steering the nation toward dangerous ethnic divisions.
Speaking at the Third Annual African Youth Leadership Forum at Mount Kenya University (MKU) in Thika, Lumumba said the country is already witnessing hostile political exchanges reminiscent of election-season tribal tensions, despite the next polls being two years away.
“If you read today’s newspapers, you might think we have a general election tomorrow,” he remarked, warning that identity politics is overshadowing development.
He criticised the deeply entrenched tribal mindset in national affairs, from appointments in government to celebrations of academic success.
“Each time a Cabinet is formed or judges are appointed, the first question is: how many are from our tribe? Even when doctors graduate, people ask how many belong to their ethnic group. We must free ourselves from these tribal manacles,” he said.
Lumumba challenged young people to take charge of the country’s governance rather than fall prey to manipulation by politicians exploiting ethnicity for personal gain.
“The youth must liberate this country from tribal chains. Do not allow yourself to be herded into tribal cocoons. Poor governance has consequences, lamentations will not save us,” he said.
He also warned against neo-colonial tendencies driven by poor African leadership, arguing that the continent’s vast wealth continues to benefit outsiders.
“Africa is rich and blessed, but poor leadership has ensured we remain dominated in our own land,” he said.
He urged leaders to embrace African identity, including speaking national languages proudly in public spaces.
Lumumba further challenged the continent to invest in action-driven solutions rather than endless talk.
“We are holding too many workshops and meetings, but not enough symposiums,” he quipped.
Youth leaders attending the summit, led by Leona Chebet and Harrison Njoroge, said the discussions reshaped their views on leadership and inclusion. They called for greater youth representation in decision-making spaces.
“The youth want a better Africa but must be present where decisions are made,” Chebet said.
“We have the skills and ideas but lack opportunities,” added Njoroge, urging job creation and mentorship for young professionals.
Lumumba concluded by urging the youth to resist ethnic prejudice when evaluating leaders:
“My hope is that this assembly will not be enticed by ethnicity as a basis for judgment.”
The Africa Youth Leadership Forum (AYLF), which organised the event, mentors student leaders drawn from Kenyan universities to cultivate transformational leadership rooted in values and service.
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