KITALE, Kenya-Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on Kenya’s political leaders to respect democratic freedoms and allow citizens to freely choose their leaders, warning against efforts to suppress political competition.
Kenyatta spoke in Kitale on Sunday during the 23rd anniversary commemoration of the death of former Vice President Michael Kijana Wamalwa, where he joined the Wamalwa family, political leaders and residents in celebrating the late statesman’s contribution to Kenya’s democratic struggle.
The former President said the democratic freedoms enjoyed by Kenyans were secured through the sacrifices of generations of leaders who fought for citizens’ right to freely choose their representatives.
“Let us also remember that Kijana Wamalwa, together with others, sacrificed greatly to fight for democracy in our country; to defend the freedom of Kenyans to choose the leaders they want,” Kenyatta said.
He added that political actors should not be denied the freedom to associate with or support leaders of their choice.
“No one can take away a right that was fought for through sacrifice and say that people no longer have the right to stand wherever they choose,” he said.
Kenyatta cautioned against political practices that undermine constitutional freedoms, saying Kenya must not retreat from the democratic gains achieved over the years.
“We are a democratic society, and those democratic ideals were fought for very hard by the man, among others, whom we honor today. And we cannot allow ourselves to go backward,” he said.
Kenyatta praises Wamalwa’s political legacy
The commemoration was held at Wamalwa’s family home in Kitale and also marked the launch of My Country First, a book documenting the former Vice President’s life, political career and contribution to Kenya.
Kenyatta, who wrote the foreword to the book, described Wamalwa as “one of the better angels of our nature”, recalling him as a politician who did not regard his opponents as enemies but as competitors.
He described Wamalwa as “the gentleman of Kenya’s politics”, saying the former Vice President represented integrity, sobriety, maturity and decency in public life.
The former President’s remarks came as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election, with parties and political leaders positioning themselves for alliances and support across the country.
The event brought together leaders from across Kenya’s political spectrum, including former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, former Attorney General Justin Muturi, former Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu and former Justice Minister Martha Karua.
Kenyatta’s appeal placed the legacy of Wamalwa’s politics at the centre of the gathering, urging current political leaders to preserve space for competition, political choice and democratic participation rather than undermine the freedoms for which earlier generations fought.
