United States-based lawyer, Makau Mutua holds that no person from the Kalenjin or Kikuyu communities should be elected president in the 2022 General Election.
Mutua, an ardent supporter of ODM leader Raila Odinga argues that the two tribes have ruled the country since independence hence the need for fair distribution of executive power in the country.
“Neither a Kalenjin, nor a Kikuyu, should be President, or Deputy President, of Kenya in 2022. There must be a fair redistribution of state power,
“If not, Kenyans may court a divorce from a cruel marriage. Build a nation, not a prison, where only two groups forever lord it over 40,” he said in a Tweet.
The outspoken lawyer went on the question the competence of the two tribes who have done little to eliminate poverty and bad governance in the country.
He urged Kenyans to change the approach quoting the popular adage ‘only fools do the same thing over and over expecting different results.
“If our Kikuyu/Kalenjin Presidents and elites were such great stewards of Kenya, why is the country in such pitiable penury (extreme poverty)? We have become a banana republic under them. They only enriched themselves. Fools do the same thing and expect different results. Time to try someone else,” went on the law professor at Buffalo University.
It is on record that the Kalenjins and Kikuyu communities have produces presidents who have ruled the country since independence.
Presidents from the Kikuyu community have led Kenya for 35 years (Jomo Kenyatta 15, Mwai Kibabi, and Uhuru Kenyatta 10 years each) whereas the late Daniel Moi from the Kalenjin community ruled for 24 years.
Mutua further warned Kenyans against voting for Deputy President William Ruto saying he is a tribal leader citing the 2013 scenario where the DP allegedly appointed majority of Kalenjins in Jubilee government.
“When William Ruto got 50 percent of the appointments in the Jubilee government in 2013, he named Kalenjins to 90 percent of all positions. That is a “hustler” for you. Only an idiot would expect something different in 2022 if you give him power,” he said.
This comes at a time when 2022 succession politics has caught steam with about 11 months to a General Election that will see Kenyans elect their fifth president with William Ruto and ODM Raila Odinge considered as front runners.
Others who have expressed their intentions to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta include ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and former UNCTAD boss Mukhisa Kituyi among others.
In January 2021, President Uhuru Kenyatta responded to those politicking about 2022 and spreading the dynasty narrative saying the Presidency does not belong to only two tribes.
“I can also say that there are only two tribes that have occupied the top seat, perhaps it is time for another community to lead,” President Uhuru said during the burial of Mama Hannah Mudavadi in Mululu, Vihiga County.
