Nakuru Leaders Draw the Line: ‘No Room for Tribal Politics’ Ahead of 2027

Leaders in Nakuru County have urged residents to champion peace and reject tribal politics as political maneuvering intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking at a women’s empowerment seminar in Njoro Constituency, Nakuru County Chief Officer for Cooperatives Richard Kibet Kurgat strongly cautioned residents against aligning with politicians who peddle ethnic division and animosity.

“We want to assure residents of Nakuru that this is our home, and no one should be intimidated or threatened because of the outcome of the next General Election,” Kurgat stated. “Nakuru is a cosmopolitan county, and every Kenyan has a constitutional right to live and work wherever they choose.”

Kurgat challenged political aspirants to pivot toward issue-based campaigns that foster national unity and peaceful coexistence.

Boosting Local Economies

Beyond the peace rally, Kurgat highlighted the county’s ongoing economic interventions. He noted that the flagship Wezesha Fund has channeled KSh12 million in loans to more than 3,000 women and youth over the last three years.

According to the Chief Officer, the funding has anchored small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the county. This is being paired with an affordable motorcycle loan scheme designed to give young people a sustainable leg up in the transport sector.

“Through the Wezesha Fund, we have continued to support women, youth, and small businesses across all constituencies. These programmes are creating employment opportunities and improving household incomes,” Kurgat added.

Health and Agriculture Take Center Stage

Echoing the anti-tribalism stance, Njoro Member of Parliament Charity Kathambi — represented at the event by John Njihia — praised President William Ruto’s administration for anchoring development projects within the constituency.

Njihia revealed that public awareness campaigns for the Social Health Authority (SHA) have been ramped up to dismantle financial barriers to healthcare access. He also confirmed that the highly anticipated construction of the Njoro Level V Hospital is nearing completion and will soon be commissioned.

“The sensitisation campaign on SHA is ongoing because no Kenyan should be denied medical services due to lack of funds,” Njihia said. “We are also looking forward to the opening of Njoro Level V Hospital, which will significantly improve healthcare services in the constituency.”

Turning to agriculture, Njihia pointed to the success of the national government’s subsidised fertiliser programme, which slashed the cost of a bag from KSh7,500 down to KSh2,500, offering major relief to local food producers. He further credited national initiatives with expanding local road networks, electricity grid connectivity, and clean water access across Njoro.

The leaders concluded the seminar with a unified call for the electorate to guard the peace before, during, and after the 2027 polls, warning that weaponizing ethnic identity for political capital would no longer be tolerated.