NAIROBI, Kenya- Political activist and ODM youth leader Kasmuel McOure has urged leaders from Luo Nyanza to reject ethnic rhetoric, saying public officials should be judged by their record of development and service rather than their criticism of other communities.
In a statement, McOure condemned what he described as attempts by some leaders to revive “primitive politics of negative ethnicity” through public attacks on the Agikuyu community.
He said leaders from Luo Nyanza had a responsibility to ensure political competition does not become a platform for ethnic resentment.
“We must decisively reject every attempt to drag our country back into the primitive politics of negative ethnicity,” McOure said.
He criticised an unnamed Cabinet Secretary, accusing the official of focusing more on denunciations of the Agikuyu than on the development needs of the people they represent.
Development, not ethnic resentment
The activist said the politics of ethnic hostility would not solve the everyday problems facing Kenyans, including unemployment, inadequate health facilities, food insecurity and poor infrastructure.
“The politics of ethnic resentment cannot build roads, create jobs, equip hospitals or put food on anyone’s table,” he said.
McOure challenged leaders holding public office to account for their record and show how they have used their positions to improve the lives of citizens.
“Do not tell us how terrible the Agikuyu are. Show us what you have done to transform the lives of our people,” he said.
He maintained that support for President William Ruto’s administration should be based on its development record, not hostility towards any ethnic community.
“Our support for President William Ruto is rooted in appreciation for what his administration has delivered, not hostility towards any community,” McOure said.
Raila and Gachagua cited
McOure cited the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as a leader who, despite political grievances, did not make ethnic antagonism the foundation of his politics.
He also referred to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, whom he said he has consistently criticised over alleged ethnic politics, but argued that Gachagua was not using public rallies to denounce other communities.
The remarks come as political leaders step up mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election, with ethnic identity, coalition negotiations and development records increasingly featuring in public debate.
McOure has recently been vocal in his support for President Ruto’s re-election, arguing that political backing should be driven by the administration’s development agenda and not by demands for positions or power-sharing arrangements.
He has also called on leaders from Luo Nyanza to avoid internal political rivalry and focus on youth empowerment, orderly mobilisation and development priorities.
Call for responsible leadership
McOure said leaders entrusted with public power must be held to a higher standard, particularly when addressing diverse audiences.
“If you occupy a position of power, stop shouting yourself hoarse over such coarse matters. Show us results,” he said.
He insisted that political differences must be settled through ideas, policies and records of public service rather than language that pits communities against one another.
The activist’s intervention adds to wider calls for political leaders to lower ethnic temperatures as Kenya moves closer to the 2027 election, with public attention increasingly focused on whether leaders can deliver services, create opportunities and uphold national unity.
