Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has challenged private security officers to go beyond protecting lives and property by becoming defenders of national unity, urging them to reject tribal politics, hate speech and divisive leadership that he said continue to threaten Kenya's peace and economic progress.
Speaking on Thursday at State House, Nairobi, during a meeting between President William Ruto and thousands of private security guards from Nairobi, Mudavadi said the country's large private security workforce has a duty to promote peace and unity in the communities, institutions and businesses where they serve.
He said security officers are well placed to help strengthen democracy by discouraging ethnic politics and inflammatory rhetoric while ensuring every Kenyan is treated fairly regardless of their background.
Mudavadi warned that Kenya has repeatedly paid a heavy price whenever leaders and citizens allow tribal divisions and irresponsible politics to take root, urging the officers to become ambassadors of peaceful coexistence.
"Be private security officers who help put an end to tribal rhetoric and bad politics, while upholding democracy and the rights of every person, because we have seen many times that our nation has suffered when people abandon discipline and resort to ethnic divisions."
He said protecting democracy is a responsibility shared by both institutions and ordinary citizens, adding that every Kenyan deserves equal protection and equal opportunities regardless of ethnicity, political affiliation or social status.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary also linked national unity to the country's economic ambitions, saying development can only thrive where there is peace, stability and respect among citizens.
"The President serves all Kenyans, and he wants the economy to grow. We must not allow this country to be led by someone driven by anger, someone bent on revenge, someone who delights in inciting others and laying traps."
Mudavadi said leadership should bring Kenyans together instead of creating divisions, warning that politics built on anger and ethnic rivalry can hurt investor confidence, slow economic growth and weaken social harmony.
He said the private security sector has an important role in supporting the government's efforts to build a united country, noting that the officers interact with people from all walks of life every day and can help spread messages of peace and national cohesion.
The meeting at State House brought together thousands of private security guards from Nairobi in an engagement that recognised the contribution of the industry to public safety. Although private security officers operate outside the National Police Service, they make up one of Kenya's largest security workforces, protecting homes, businesses, schools, offices and other critical infrastructure across the country.
Throughout his address, Mudavadi urged the officers to uphold discipline, professionalism and fairness in carrying out their duties while refusing to be drawn into ethnic or political divisions.
He encouraged them to remain committed to protecting every Kenyan without discrimination and to use their influence within communities to promote peaceful coexistence.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary said the country's future depends on unity, democracy and a peaceful environment that allows businesses to grow, investments to flourish and all Kenyans to pursue opportunities without fear or division.