Andrew Kibe’s recent statements attacking the Mt Kenya region, Kikuyus, and women in leadership have sparked outrage because they go beyond criticism and enter the territory of dangerous stereotyping and fear-mongering. By claiming that Mt Kenya is “run by women,” labeling people as “emotional” and “useless,” and predicting war in 2027, Kibe’s remarks revive narratives that Kenya has painfully learned can lead to real harm.
At the heart of the statement is ethnic and gender generalization. Blaming an entire community for political or economic challenges ignores the complexity of leadership and governance. Mt Kenya, like any other region, is diverse in opinion, leadership, and experience. Reducing millions of people to a single negative trait is not analysis—it is prejudice. Kenya’s history shows that such language has often been used to divide citizens and justify hostility.
The attack on women leaders is particularly troubling. Suggesting that women are too “emotional” to lead or that motherhood conflicts with public service reflects outdated and discriminatory thinking. Across Kenya and the world, women have successfully led counties, ministries, companies, and nations. Leadership failure or success is not determined by gender, but by competence, integrity, and systems of accountability. Singling out a woman governor and tying county challenges to her gender is both unfair and intellectually lazy.
Kibe’s warning of “war” in 2027 is perhaps the most irresponsible part of the statement. Kenya has lived through the consequences of violent political rhetoric, especially after the 2007 elections. Casual talk of war normalizes fear and can inflame tensions, even when presented as opinion or prediction. Public figures have a responsibility to speak carefully, knowing that words can influence emotions and actions.
Ultimately, these remarks reveal more about the speaker’s approach than about the regions or leaders being attacked. Kenya’s real problems—corruption, unemployment, poor service delivery, and weak institutions—cannot be solved by blaming women or ethnic groups. Progress requires sober debate, inclusive leadership, and respect for diversity.
History has shown that nations move forward through unity and accountability, not insults and threats. Criticism is necessary in a democracy, but it must be grounded in facts and fairness. When public discourse descends into ethnic and gender hostility, it weakens the very society it claims to challenge.