Top government officials and political leaders convened in Kisumu over the weekend, where they rallied for national unity and cautioned against turning youth-led protests into tools for political disruption.

Addressing the crowd on Sunday, the leaders called for calm and urged the public to uphold democratic values and peaceful dialogue.

They raised concern over what they described as attempts by certain political actors to exploit the recent wave of Gen Z-led demonstrations for selfish gain.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale dismissed claims that Kenya’s setbacks stem from underdevelopment, instead attributing them to political resistance against President William Ruto’s unifying agenda.

“Some questioned the President’s support for Raila Odinga’s AU bid and his push for national cohesion. Yet, the only thing Ruto did was attempt to unite the country, and that unsettled a few,” Duale said.

He defended the right to protest but drew the line at violence, looting, and vandalism, saying such acts are unacceptable and unconstitutional.

“Protesting peacefully is a right. But once it turns into chaos, harming people or destroying property, that’s where the line is crossed,” he noted, calling on the police and the Interior Ministry to uphold law and order without bias or intimidation.

Duale also took a swipe at political hopefuls positioning themselves through backdoor tactics, urging them to seek leadership through the ballot.

“Let them wait for 2027 and challenge Ruto fairly. There will be no shortcuts. Just as past presidents served full terms, Ruto will too, and he’s already delivered more in two and a half years than the previous administration did in ten,” he asserted.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi reiterated Nyanza's commitment to working with the current administration, saying the region is embracing development under the guidance of Raila Odinga.

“We are not playing games. Nyanza is focused on progress, not protests. With Raila’s leadership, we’ve chosen to work with President Ruto within a broad-based government,” Wandayi declared, signaling a shift towards a development-first approach in the region.

Farouk Kibet, a close ally of the President, reinforced the unity message while warning against destructive tendencies among some youth during demonstrations. He accused sections of the opposition of fanning tribal tensions, naming former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as a key instigator.

“Gachagua fears the partnership between Raila and Ruto. But Kenya has no space for tribal or divisive politics. We must move forward with unity and purpose,” Kibet said.

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah also weighed in, claiming that protests in Nairobi and parts of Central Kenya had been hijacked by violent groups intent on stirring unrest.

“What happened wasn’t peaceful activism; it was a planned attempt to destabilize institutions. The youth are being manipulated by politicians seeking relevance,” Ichung’wah warned.

He called on citizens to abandon ethnic-based politics and embrace a united national identity.

“This administration has shown that inclusivity is possible. Let’s reject politics based on tribe or family ties and instead focus on building one cohesive Kenya,” he said.

Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron commended the government’s broad-based approach, saying it has brought peace and stability to the region.

The leaders jointly urged the youth to prioritize constructive engagement and national development over street protests, stressing that political transitions should be determined at the ballot in 2027, not through unrest.