KIRINYAGA, Kenya — Former President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday issued a passionate Uhuru unity call, urging leaders to rise above divisive politics and prioritise national cohesion during the burial service of the late Daniel Karaba.
In his address, Kenyatta invoked his past political partnership with the late Raila Odinga, saying their shared vision had always been to unite the country beyond ethnic and political divisions.
The Uhuru unity call recalled their journey from rivalry to collaboration under the Azimio coalition.
“Let us unite. This is what Raila and I wanted. What we really desired was for this country to be united. To be led by policies and principles, not by tribe, ethnic bitterness and hatred,” he said. The Uhuru unity call emphasised that national cohesion remains central to Kenya’s identity and long-term stability.
Uhuru Unity Call on Leadership
The former Head of State used the platform to call on leaders to shift focus from political competition to service delivery.
The Uhuru unity call stressed that Kenyans demand accountability and leadership prioritising welfare over personal interests.
“Be leaders. That is what the people of Kenya want. They want leadership, not politics. They don’t want insults. They want direction. They want leadership that will see them through to the other side,” Kenyatta stated.
He stressed that integrity and principle-driven leadership are critical, particularly at a time of heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 election.
The Uhuru unity call comes as divisions rooted in ethnicity continue to undermine national progress.
Uhuru Unity Call Constitutional Context
“Our country needs unity for us to have peace, stability, and progress. Our country needs leaders who have integrity, principled leaders, who are there to serve their people,” he added.
The remarks at the burial service were delivered alongside former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other opposition leaders.
The Uhuru unity call comes against a backdrop of heated political rivalry and growing demands for policy-driven governance.
As Kenya approaches the 2027 election, the former President’s intervention tests whether elite consensus on national cohesion can override partisan competition.
