As Kenya approaches the 2027 general elections, a viral social media campaign under the hashtag #WeAreAllKikuyus has taken X and Facebook by storm, promoting unity and challenging tribalism in politics.
The trend, which invites Kenyans from all ethnic backgrounds to humorously adopt Kikuyu names or claim Kikuyu identity, emerged in response to alleged government efforts to frame recent protests, including the Saba Saba demonstrations, as Kikuyu-led, aiming to stoke tribal divisions.
With hashtags like #WeAreAllKikuyus and #EndTribalism trending, the movement reflects a growing push among Kenyans, particularly Gen Z, to reject divisive tactics by the political elite.
The #WeAreAllKikuyus campaign gained traction after people accused state-backed bloggers of labeling the Gen Z-led Saba Saba protests, June 25th which caused a Sh18 billion daily GDP loss, as a “Kikuyu affair.”
Some said, “Kenyans on X are changing their names to Kikuyu names to counter claims that Kikuyus are behind the demonstrations,” highlighting solidarity across ethnic lines.
Others added, “The #WeAreAllKikuyus tag means we’re standing with Kikuyus because the government is trying to make us hate them. We’re all Kenyans.”
This sentiment echoes a broader desire to dismantle tribalism, a persistent issue in Kenyan elections since the 2007 violence that killed over 1,000 people.
Analysts warn that tribalism, often fueled by politicians forming ethnic coalitions, remains a key strategy for securing votes.
The 2022 election saw President William Ruto leverage Kikuyu and Kalenjin support, while Raila Odinga rallied Luo and Kamba communities.
The #WeAreAllKikuyus trend counters this by promoting a unified Kenyan identity, with others emphasizing, “Today they profile Kikuyus… tomorrow it could be Luos. We’re against bad governance.”
Political observer Martin Andati suggests the youth vote, less tied to tribal loyalties, could reduce ethnicity’s influence in 2027.
The movement also critiques politicians’ use of tribalism for power, as seen in historical alliances like the Kikuyu-Kalenjin coalition of 2013 and 2017.
As Kenya navigates economic woes and political unrest, the #WeAreAllKikuyus trend signals a youth-driven demand for a politics of ideas over ethnic division, setting the stage for a transformative 2027 election.
