The Kenya Kwanza Alliance government has allegedly unleashed state machinery to create a division between the Luo and Kikuyu communities ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
This comes after the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a Luo leader who had thrown his weight behind President William Ruto’s broad-based government.
With Raila Odinga now gone, Ruto’s administration appears to be clutching at straws. According to intelligence reports, Luo support for the broad-based government has dropped from 70 percent to 50 percent since Raila’s passing.
Fully aware that unity between the Luo and Kikuyu communities poses a major threat to the government’s political plans, the administration—through its intelligence agency, the National Intelligence Service (NIS)—has allegedly employed tactics aimed at driving a wedge between the two groups.
Although Nyeri County Governor Mutahi Kahiga made uncouth remarks about the death of the former prime minister, the government is said to have used its bloggers and hired influencers to amplify the message and push a narrative that Kahiga was speaking on behalf of the entire Kikuyu community. The goal was to make Luos resent Kikuyus for seemingly celebrating the death of their revered leader.
Despite Kahiga issuing an apology and resigning as Vice Chairman of the Council of Governors on Wednesday, state operatives reportedly insisted that the apology was not enough. Their intention, according to insiders, was to create a lasting rift between the Luo and Kikuyu communities to ensure they remain divided ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
Though Kahiga’s remarks may have appeared personal, the state machinery—allegedly led by government blogger Dennis Itumbi—has been accused of trying to make it seem as though the entire Kikuyu community rejoiced at the death of the Luo kingpin, who enjoyed a cult-like following in Luo Nyanza.
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