Renowned law scholar Prof Makau Mutua has waded into the 2022 succession debate, warning the country will take a dangerous route if two communities (the Kalenjin and Kikuyu) continue dominating State House.
In a tweet on Friday, Mutua opined that Kenya will head to the dogs if the next Head of State will be from either the Kikuyu or Kalenjin communities.
"Take this to the bank. The political experiment called Kenya will die if either a Kalenjin or Kikuyu becomes Kenya’s PRESIDENT in 2022 — the only two groups that have colonized that office since independence. Act wisely and thank me later," the US-based lawyer said.
Out of the four Presidents who have ruled Kenya since Independence, three hail from thrCentral Kenya region. They are; Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta.
The second Head of State Daniel Arap Moi, who ruled for 24 years, was from the Kalenjin community.
Mutua's remarks are in agreement with those of Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru who said Kenyans are not ready to be served by another president from the two communities.
Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo also weighed in on the debate saying the two communities should give others a chance to lead.
"I agree with Governor Waiguru that we can't have this ethno majoritarian rule anymore! We must push for ethnic cohesion in this country. Central shall have 35 yrs in power by 2022. Kalenjins have had 24 yrs. You have to wait until 2032. Why do you think your Presidency is a must?" Odhiambo said in a tweet directed to Deputy President William Ruto.
However, Ruto maintains the 2022 succession debate should be based on competency, not ethnicity.
"We supported and voted for Uhuru to succeed Kibaki not because of ethnicity but competence. He is not leader of any ethnic community but that of Jubilee, the largest political party with MCA's, MPs and Governors in 41 of 47 counties and President of Kenya. Please avoid these issues of tribalism (Muwache kasumba ya ukabila pls) (sic)," the DP said on Thursday.