“Remove Ruto, save Kenya’- Onyonka says over claims of tribalism

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka launched a fresh attack on President William Ruto’s administration, claiming that removing him from office during the 2027 polls would mark the beginning of ending tribalism and corruption in Kenya

The outspoken ODM senator, now a Dr Fred Matiangi ally, alleged that the Kenya Kwanza administration had concentrated influential government positions among individuals from the President’s native community, a move he said has deepened ethnic divisions and undermined national unity.

He cited a list of dozens of senior government officials; Onyonka claimed it demonstrated what he described as an imbalance in public appointments.

“We must build a Kenya where no community feels excluded,” Onyonka said. “Getting rid of William Ruto is getting rid of tribalism and graft. Public offices belong to all Kenyans, not to one region or one community.”
He added: “The Constitution is clear that public appointments should reflect the face of Kenya. When one community dominates key institutions, people lose confidence in government.”

The senator further accused the administration of failing to tackle corruption despite campaign promises to promote accountability.

“You cannot fight corruption while rewarding political loyalty instead of merit,” he said. “Kenyans are paying high taxes, the cost of living remains unbearable, yet they continue to witness waste of public resources.”

Onyonka urged citizens to reject ethnic politics and demand leaders who unite the country rather than divide it.

“For too long, politicians have exploited tribal loyalties to win elections. That politics has held this country hostage. Kenya deserves leadership that serves every citizen equally regardless of ethnicity,” he said.

Ethnicity has remained one of the defining features of Kenya’s political landscape since the return of multiparty democracy in the early 1990s.

Presidential elections have often been shaped by regional voting blocs, with candidates seeking support from their ethnic strongholds while negotiating alliances with leaders from other communities to secure national backing.

Critics argue that this pattern has encouraged successive governments to face accusations of favoring their political bases in appointments and resource allocation, while supporters maintain that appointments are made on merit and within the law.

Onyonka’s latest remarks come as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election, with opposition leaders increasingly accusing the government of ethnic favoritism and poor governance.

Ruto has consistently denied allegations of tribalism, insisting that appointments are guided by merit, constitutional principles and the need to deliver effective public service.