Former Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has criticised what he calls increasing ethnic profiling of the Mt Kenya community, warning leaders against spreading messages that could divide the country.
In a statement posted on social media, Kuria accused Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and MPs William Kamket and Jackson Mandago of promoting claims that leaders from Mt Kenya see themselves as superior.
“I have heard leaders from Kamket to Mandago to Duale accuse a whole community of arrogance. That’s wrong and dangerous,” Kuria wrote.
“If you have an issue with someone from Mt Kenya, face them directly. Don’t attack an entire community.”
Kuria, a former close ally of President William Ruto, said it was unfair to blame an entire region for statements or actions made by a few individuals. He said he was willing to take personal responsibility if anyone felt offended by Mt Kenya leaders.
“If Mt Kenya people have eaten your goat, Kamket, Mandago or Duale, tell me and I will pay you back,” he added.
He said there is rising frustration among people from the Mt Kenya region and warned that continued verbal attacks could have serious political consequences.
“Do not push us into a corner. A point of no return could lead to unexpected consequences,” Kuria warned.
His comments come amid growing political tension within the Kenya Kwanza coalition government. Some leaders from the Mt Kenya region have claimed that the region is being sidelined, despite having voted overwhelmingly in favour of the ruling alliance in the 2022 general election.