DIASPORA TIMES EDITORIAL

The decision by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to ban former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from stepping into Bondo, marks a shameful regression in Kenya’s democratic journey. ODM’s regional vice chair in Kisumu, speaking on October 22, boldly declared that Gachagua was not welcome in the area, echoing sentiments expressed by party chair Governor Gladys Wanga and several MPs. Though he urged calm among supporters, the message was already loud and divisive, a declaration that one Kenyan cannot visit another part of Kenya.

Such words are poisonous to the spirit of national unity. Kenya’s Constitution under Article 39 guarantees every citizen the freedom of movement and residence anywhere within the Republic. When a major political party starts drawing invisible boundaries within the country, it resurrects the ghosts of tribal exclusion and political intolerance that nearly tore Kenya apart in the past. It is shocking that ODM, a party born out of the struggle for freedom and democracy, is now the one planting seeds of division.

This is not just a Kisumu or Bondo issue; it is a national crisis of leadership and morality. ODM’s stance is unconstitutional, reckless, and inflammatory. It disrespects the millions of Kenyans who live peacefully away from their ancestral regions. Today, it is Gachagua being barred from Bondo; tomorrow, it could be any Kenyan being told they don’t belong in Nakuru, Eldoret, or Kisii. Leaders must remember that political rivalry is not a license to erode the rights of others.

But equally worrying is President William Ruto’s silence on the matter. As Head of State and symbol of national unity, he bears the constitutional duty to protect the freedoms of all citizens including his critics. Ruto’s silence at a time when divisive rhetoric threatens to fracture the nation sends a dangerous message of political convenience. True leadership means defending constitutional rights, even when the victim is your ally or your opponent. The President cannot claim to stand for national unity while watching parts of the country turn into no-go zones for certain politicians.

Kenya’s democracy cannot thrive under selective outrage. The same energy ODM leaders use to condemn discrimination in other regions should apply here. Likewise, the Ruto administration should not remain quiet simply because the victim is Gachagua. Silence emboldens intolerance. The government must make it clear that no Kenyan, regardless of tribe or political affiliation, can be denied access to any part of their own country.

ODM’s actions also stain the legacy of the late Raila Odinga, who, despite political differences, spent decades fighting for the very freedoms now being trampled under his party’s name. Raila believed in the right to dissent, the power of dialogue, and the unity of Kenya’s diverse people. To see his party flirting with regional exclusion is both tragic and hypocritical. ODM must immediately retract this misguided statement and reaffirm its commitment to tolerance and coexistence.

At the same time, Gachagua himself must lead with humility and sensitivity. He has often made provocative remarks that stir emotions across political lines. But even that does not justify banning him from any region. Democracy must protect both the pleasant and the provocative voices, because freedom of movement and speech are indivisible.

In the end, Kenya belongs to all its people, from Nyeri to Bondo, from Eldoret to Kisumu. No political party, no county government, and no group of supporters has the right to divide the country along ethnic or regional lines. It is time for both ODM and President Ruto to rise above petty politics and demonstrate leadership worthy of the nation’s constitution.

If leaders fail to defend unity, ordinary Kenyans will. Because the soul of Kenya lies not in the mouths of politicians, but in the hearts of citizens who still believe in one nation under one flag.

Disclaimer: This article reflects an independent opinion on governance, national unity, and constitutional freedoms. It does not represent the official stance of any political organization.