Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on political leaders to respect Kenyans’ democratic right to choose their preferred political leaders and rejected attempts to force citizens into particular political factions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, where he attended the annual memorial service of the late Vice-President Michael Kijana Wamalwa as chief guest, Uhuru said Kenyans should be allowed to make their political choices freely.
“The choice should be peoples’. Kenyans should not be forced to join this faction or that one. Kenyans should choose by themselves,” Uhuru said.
The former President urged political leaders to engage voters peacefully and stop attempts to prevent rivals from holding political meetings in areas perceived to be the strongholds of particular parties or leaders.
“I want to ask political leaders to talk to the people peacefully. This thing of stopping rivals from holding meetings should stop,” he said.
Uhuru said Kenya must protect the democratic gains it has made and allow citizens to determine their political future without intimidation or coercion.
“Democracy of the country, the right of Kenyans to elect the leaders they want should be respected,” he said.
“That is something I stand for. No one can take away that right.”
He added: “We are a democratic society and those ideals were fought for and we will not go back.”
His remarks come amid growing concerns over political intolerance, disruptions of rallies and the emergence of groups of youths accused of blocking rival politicians from holding meetings in areas regarded as political strongholds.
Recent disruptions of political gatherings, including violence surrounding opposition activities in Homa Bay, have renewed concerns that political competition could increasingly be characterised by intimidation and confrontation rather than the exchange of ideas.
Uhuru urged politicians seeking votes to approach Kenyans with humility and allow voters to make their choices without pressure.
“If you are asking for votes, do it peacefully,” he said.
He gave examples of several political figures, saying voters should be free to choose whichever candidate they prefer.
“If they say they want Kalonzo Musyoka, if they want Ruto, it should be Ruto. If people say they want Matiang’i, it is Matiang’i. If they want Sifuna, it should be Sifuna,” Uhuru said.
The former President also drew from his own political experience to illustrate that rejection at the ballot should not be viewed as an end to a political career.
“I also asked for votes and I was rejected, but when I asked the second time, I became President,” he said.
Uhuru was referring to his unsuccessful presidential bid in 2002 before he returned to the ballot in subsequent elections and eventually won the presidency in 2013.
He said his remarks were not driven by personal political ambitions, insisting that he was no longer interested in seeking an elective position.
“I am not interested in any seat,” Uhuru said.
He thanked God for the years he had been given to serve in leadership and expressed gratitude to Kenyans for giving him the opportunity to serve.
“I thank God for years He has given me to be in leadership and I thank Kenyans for making it possible,” he said.
The former President’s call comes as political parties and formations intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election, with rival camps seeking to consolidate support in different parts of the country.
