Kithure Kindiki. Photo/Courtesy
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki says Kenya is emerging from a long season of political hostility, pointing to growing engagement between former rivals as a sign of renewed national unity.
Speaking on New Year’s Eve at the Eldoret State Lodge, Kindiki reflected on the country’s history of deep political divisions, saying adversarial politics had for years weakened cohesion and distracted leaders from development priorities.
He noted, however, that the tone of political debate has begun to shift.
According to the Deputy President, current political conversations are increasingly centred on party programmes and policy positions rather than personal attacks or ethnic mobilisation.
He described this change as a healthy development for Kenya’s democracy.
Kindiki singled out improved relations between leaders who supported President William Ruto in the 2022 elections and those who were previously aligned to the Azimio coalition.
He said the decision by leaders across the divide to engage had widened Kenya’s political space and reduced tensions that had persisted since the last general election.
“The closing of ranks between those who were on opposite sides has been one of the most important developments of 2025,” Kindiki said, adding that it had strengthened the country’s sense of shared purpose.
As the country steps into 2026, Kindiki urged leaders and citizens to protect the gains made in national unity.
He said sustained dialogue and respect for differing political views would be key to ensuring Kenya avoids a return to divisive politics.