Moi denounces Gema, Kamatusa revival

Former President Daniel arap Moi has broken his silence on revival of ethnic based political alliances ahead of the next general election, saying such groupings are retrogressive and will balkanize the nation.

“These tribal groupings of Gema and Kamatusa are retrogressive because they sabotage national unity,"  said Mr Moi at a prize giving day in Moi Kabarak Primary School on Saturday.

“When you think like a Kamatusa or Gema, you shrink the world view and when moving around the the tag is not something to be proud of,” added Mr Moi.

The former President’s remarks comes in the wake of meetings held by the Kamatusa group in Eldoret and Gema in Limuru. (READ: ICC tops agenda at Rift leaders’ meeting)

According to Mr Moi, the creation of county governments by the new constitution allowed loopholes that promote ethnic balkanization.

He said the devolved system of governance discouraged professionals to seek employment in other counties.

Separately, Naivasha MP John Mutuitho said ethnic affiliations were healthy for the country “ because at the end of the day everyone belongs to a certain tribe.”

“ When communities meet to chart way forward in whatever issues afflicting them, they should be allowed to do so. But in Kenya it is being politicized to curtail mutual harmony among the interested parties,” said Mr Mututho.