MP Memusi Kanchory calls for political tolerance, national unity

**Kajiado MP Kanchory urges Kenyans to embrace political tolerance ahead of 2027**

Kajiado Central Member of Parliament Memusi Kanchory has called on Kenyans to cultivate a culture of political tolerance, arguing that the country's long-term development agenda will stall unless citizens and leaders alike learn to accommodate divergent views without resorting to hostility or violence.

Speaking at an event in his constituency, Kanchory framed political pluralism not merely as a democratic ideal but as a precondition for economic progress. He argued that persistent divisions — along party, ethnic, and regional lines — divert energy and resources away from pressing challenges such as unemployment, food insecurity, and inadequate public services.

"Development cannot take root in a country where neighbours cannot agree to disagree," Kanchory said, urging both politicians and ordinary citizens to set higher standards for political engagement.

The MP's remarks carry particular resonance in Kajiado County, a semi-arid Maasai-majority region south of Nairobi that has experienced growth in tourism, flower farming, and real estate development linked to the expanding capital. Despite these opportunities, the county has seen periodic tension between communities competing for land and water resources — pressures that can be amplified by political rhetoric ahead of elections.

Kenya's Constitution, adopted in 2010 following the devastating 2007–2008 post-election crisis, contains extensive provisions on national values, including equity, inclusivity, and protection of minority rights. Yet implementation of these principles has been uneven, with successive election cycles generating fresh incidents of hate speech and politically motivated displacement.

Kanchory stopped short of singling out specific leaders for blame but made clear he viewed the current atmosphere as a warning sign. Civil society organisations have in recent years pushed for mandatory political education programmes targeting candidates, party officials, and voter mobilisers ahead of each election cycle.