Opinion: Squabbles among top leaders are not good for the country

It is now clear that all is not well with the Kenya Kwanza administration. Leaders, notably Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, have come out to openly criticise Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi, who was also forced to respond to the DP.

As the hostilities between the two leaders escalated, the harm to President William Ruto's government grew. I felt the battle of words was harming the government's prestige, but over the weekend, President Ruto expressed a different opinion.

During a church service on Sunday, Ruto made remarks contradicting that of his deputy sparking another conversation about the condition of their relationship. DP Gachagua attacked MP Sudi for moving from one constituency to another and warned that every MP should remain in their constituency.

President Ruto said that MPs should move around the country contradicting his deputy. For anyone who has been following the ongoing politics in the country, you can notice that all is not well with the leadership.

At a time when Kenya stands poised at the threshold of transformative change, such internal discord threatens to derail progress and divert attention from the pressing issues facing the nation.

The urgency of addressing high taxation, healthcare disparities, and educational challenges cannot be overstated. Yet, the political theatrics unfolding within the echelons of power threaten to overshadow these critical concerns.

Amid this political melee, it is imperative that leaders pause, reflect, and refocus their efforts on the task at hand: serving the people. The mandate entrusted to them by the electorate demands unity, cooperation, and a steadfast commitment to the greater good. Petty squabbles and personal vendettas have no place in the corridors of power.

President Ruto bears a solemn responsibility to rise above the fray and chart a course toward reconciliation and unity. It is incumbent upon him to bridge the divide, foster dialogue, and forge consensus among his fellow leaders. Only through collective action and mutual respect can the Kenya Kwanza government hope to fulfil its promise of prosperity and progress for all Kenyans.

In the face of mounting challenges and escalating tensions, now more than ever, the nation looks to its leaders for guidance, inspiration, and above all, leadership. The time for political gamesmanship and brinkmanship has passed. The time for statesmanship and stewardship has dawned.

Kenya Kwanza should heed the call to put aside their differences, to set aside ego and ambition, and to work together towards a brighter, more prosperous future for Kenya. The road ahead may be fraught with obstacles, but united in purpose and resolve, there is no challenge too great for the people of Kenya to overcome.

Leaders should not merely pay lip service to unity while engaging in divisive tactics behind closed doors. Attending church services and speaking of unity rings hollow if, behind the scenes, leaders are plotting against one another. Genuine unity requires honesty, transparency, and a genuine commitment to the common good.

We are not prepared for politics at this time. The government's efforts would be better spent fulfilling the promises made during the 2022 campaign before bombarding us with 2027 politics and other non-issues.

The writer is a Mombasa-based communication and marketing expert. [email protected]