KITALE, Kenya – Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged politicians to respect voters’ democratic choices and stop blocking rivals from holding political meetings ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on political leaders to respect Kenyans’ right to freely choose their preferred leaders, warning against attempts to force voters into particular political factions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, during the annual memorial service for former Vice-President Michael Kijana Wamalwa, Uhuru said political choices should be left to individual voters.
“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 also called on politicians to stop interfering with rival political meetings, saying all political players should be allowed to engage voters peacefully regardless of their political affiliations.
“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 warns against political intimidation
Uhuru said Kenya must protect the democratic gains made over the years and ensure citizens can 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 that Kenya should not retreat from the democratic principles that citizens fought to establish.
“We are a democratic society and those ideals were fought for and we will not go back.”
The former president’s remarks come amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 elections and growing concerns over disruptions of political rallies and political violence.
Recent incidents, including clashes surrounding political activities in Homa Bay, have intensified debate over political intolerance and the use of groups of youths to disrupt rival campaigns.
Uhuru urged politicians seeking votes to engage voters peacefully and allow citizens to make their decisions without pressure.
“If you are asking for votes, do it peacefully,” he said.
Uhuru names Ruto, Kalonzo, Matiang’i and Sifuna
The former president illustrated his argument by naming several politicians who could potentially seek the presidency in 2027.
He said voters should be free to support 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.
His remarks come as multiple political camps position themselves for the presidential contest, with opposition leaders seeking to build a united challenge to President William Ruto.
Among the figures being discussed in the emerging political contest are President Ruto, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
Uhuru recalls his own political setbacks
Uhuru also drew on his political experience, saying losing an election should not prevent a politician from continuing to participate in democratic politics.
“I also asked for votes and I was rejected, but when I asked the second time, I became President,” he said.
He was referring to his unsuccessful presidential bid in the 2002 General Election before subsequently returning to the presidential race and winning the presidency in 2013.
Uhuru, however, reiterated that he was no longer interested in seeking elective office.
“I am not interested in any seat,” he said.
The former president thanked God for the years he had spent 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.
