Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has cautioned public office holders against appointing individuals based on their tribe. He made these remarks during the handover of Jubilee Party leadership to Fred Matiang'i on Tuesday. Uhuru commended Matiang'i for his previous work in various cabinets, highlighting his dedication to merit-based appointments. This statement comes amid concerns about tribalism in public appointments.
Uhuru's comments were reported by Citizen TV on September 22, 2026. He emphasized that public office holders should not prioritize tribal connections when making appointments. Instead, they should focus on selecting qualified individuals for the job. Uhuru's statement has sparked a national conversation about the need for merit-based appointments in public offices.
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa recently made a statement that seemed to contradict Uhuru's views. Barasa urged public office holders from Western Kenya to prioritize appointments for individuals from their region. He argued that these appointments should be used to promote the interests of their community. Barasa's comments have been met with criticism, with some arguing that they promote tribalism.
Barasa's statement was made in an undated video, which has been widely shared on social media. In the video, he encouraged public officials to come up with reasons to deny appointments to individuals from other communities. Barasa specifically mentioned the Kikuyu community, suggesting that they should not be considered for appointments. His comments have been widely criticized as promoting tribalism and discrimination.
The debate about tribal appointments in Kenya has been ongoing for years. Many Kenyans argue that tribalism has hindered the country's development, as appointments are often made based on tribal connections rather than merit. Uhuru's statement has been seen as a call to end this practice and promote a more inclusive and merit-based approach to appointments.
President William Ruto has also been vocal about the need to address tribalism in Kenya. Recently, he met with US Senator Marco Rubio to discuss trade, AI, and regional security. The two leaders emphasized the need for African countries to develop their own solutions to these challenges, rather than relying on external assistance.
The conversation about tribal appointments is expected to continue in the coming weeks. Uhuru's statement has sparked a national debate, with many Kenyans calling for an end to tribalism in public appointments. The implementation of merit-based appointments could have a significant impact on Kenya's development, promoting a more inclusive and equitable society.
Key points
- Uhuru Kenyatta warns public office holders against tribal appointments.
- Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa urges public officials to prioritize appointments for individuals from their region.
- The debate about tribal appointments in Kenya has sparked a national conversation about the need for merit-based appointments.
