Eldas MP Adan Keynan speaking on the floor of the house
on Thursday[Screen grab].Eldas MP Adan Keynan has strongly condemned the rise of ethnic profiling, hate speech and divisive political rhetoric.
Kenyan warned that such utterances threaten Kenya's unity and could undermine the country's peace as the nation.
Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly on Thursday, the veteran legislator called on relevant government agencies to take firm action against politicians promoting ethnic animosity, insisting that no individual should be allowed to incite Kenyans or exploit ethnic differences for political gain.
Keynan's remarks come just days after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua launched a scathing attack against leaders from the North Eastern region during a meeting with a delegation from the region at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri.
During the meeting, Gachagua accused elected leaders from the region of failing to transform the lives of their constituents despite receiving substantial allocations from the national government over the years.
He singled out Keynan, one of Kenya's longest-serving Members of Parliament, for particular criticism, questioning what he described as the legislator's more than three decades in public leadership and alleging that little development could be attributed to his long tenure.
Although Keynan did not directly mention Gachagua by name during his contribution in Parliament, his statement was widely seen as a response to the recent remarks that have sparked political debate across the country.
Keynan said Kenya's future depends on leaders embracing unity rather than exploiting ethnic identities for political mileage.
"A united Kenya is built on the enduring values of mutual respect, inclusivity and our shared national identity," Keynan told the House.
He expressed concern over what he termed as a growing trend where some political actors resort to ethnic bigotry, regional profiling and inflammatory statements to advance narrow political interests.
"It is deeply concerning that some political actors continue to propagate ethnic bigotry, regional profiling and divisive rhetoric for narrow political gain," he said.
According to the MP, such reckless politics risks eroding the gains Kenya has made in fostering national cohesion since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, which sought to promote inclusion, equitable development and devolution.
He cautioned that with the country slowly entering the election season, leaders have a greater responsibility to safeguard national unity instead of inflaming tensions.
"Such reckless conduct threatens our national cohesion and undermines the hard-earned peace and stability that Kenyans have worked tirelessly to preserve," he said.
"As the country gradually approaches the election period, we must remain vigilant against narratives that sow discord, fuel division and create fertile ground for conflict and violence."
Keynan urged investigative and law enforcement agencies to move decisively against individuals engaging in hate speech and incitement, saying the Constitution provides clear safeguards against conduct that threatens peaceful coexistence.
"It is now imperative for the relevant government agencies to decisively investigate these incidents and ensure that all individuals found culpable of incitement, hate speech or actions intended to divide Kenyans are held fully accountable in accordance with the Constitution and the rule of law," he stated.
The MP further reminded leaders that Kenya's diversity should be celebrated rather than weaponised for political competition.
"Our diversity is our greatest strength, not a tool for political manipulation. Let us reject divisive politics and instead champion unity, peaceful coexistence and issue-based leadership that advances the aspirations of every Kenyan, regardless of ethnicity, region or background," he said
In one of his strongest remarks, the veteran legislator denounced politicians who thrive on ethnic polarization.
"Shame on all agents of ethnic bigotry. Let us reject these backward characters in totality."
His statement comes amid heightened political exchanges between allies of President William Ruto and the opposition, with concerns mounting over the tone of political campaigns.
