Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged politicians to stop attempting to block their opponents from holding public rallies and instead focus on presenting their policies and development plans to Kenyans ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, on Sunday during the annual memorial service for former Vice President Michael Kijana Wamalwa, Uhuru said Kenyan voters should be allowed to freely decide who they want to lead them.
He called on politicians to conduct their campaigns peacefully, saying the electorate was capable of making its own decisions without interference.
“If it is about asking for votes, let us do it peacefully. Kenyans know who they want. Whether they decide to support Kalonzo, Ruto, Matiang’i, Sifuna or anyone else, that is their decision,” Uhuru said.
The former President also sought to dispel speculation that his attendance at the memorial service marked a return to active politics, insisting that he was not seeking any political office and had no intention of becoming involved in political campaigns.
Uhuru said he did not want to be portrayed as a political power broker, maintaining that his presence at the event was primarily to honour his late friend and former Vice President.
“Do not say that I am getting involved in politics. I have no intention of contesting for any political office,” he said.
He further urged politicians to learn how to compete without turning political differences into personal conflicts, saying healthy competition was an important part of democracy.
Reflecting on his own political journey, Uhuru recalled that he was unsuccessful during his first attempt at the presidency before eventually being elected years later. He said the experience demonstrated the importance of respecting the choices made by voters.
“Even I asked Kenyans to vote for me and they rejected me the first time, but the second time, I got the opportunity,” he said.
Uhuru challenged politicians preparing for the 2027 elections to concentrate on convincing voters through policies and ideas rather than attempting to prevent rival politicians from holding public meetings and political rallies.
The former President also used the occasion to remember Wamalwa, describing him as a leader, friend and patriotic Kenyan who was committed to the country’s progress.
He recalled that although the two were on opposing political sides during the 2002 General Election, their political differences never turned them into personal enemies.
Uhuru recalled that he was in KANU alongside the late President Daniel arap Moi at the time and had encouraged Wamalwa to join his political side. Wamalwa, however, remained with the opposing camp, a decision Uhuru recounted humorously while reflecting on the political competition of the time.
The former President also paid tribute to Wamalwa and other political leaders, including Martha Karua, Charity Ngilu and Kalonzo Musyoka, for their contribution to Kenya’s struggle for multiparty democracy.
He said their efforts played an important role in advancing the country’s democratic space and ensuring that Kenyans could exercise their right to freely choose their leaders.
The memorial service brought together several prominent political leaders, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, PLP leader Martha Karua, former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu and Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi.
Uhuru served as the chief guest at the annual memorial service held in Kitale to honor Wamalwa, who served as Vice President under the late President Mwai Kibaki before his death in 2003.
The former President’s call for peaceful political competition comes as political parties and leaders begin positioning themselves for the 2027 General Election, with growing calls for wider political alliances and increased public engagement across the country.
