Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has renewed criticism of the current administration, saying many of the challenges facing Kenyans today are issues he warned about during the 2022 General Election campaign.
Speaking at a Jubilee Party delegates meeting held at Kiambu Golf Club, the former Head of State urged residents of Kiambu and the wider Mt Kenya region to carefully evaluate political leaders based on their performance, development record and ability to improve people’s lives rather than campaign rhetoric.
Uhuru said Kenyans should take time to reflect on the decisions made during the last election, arguing that the country’s current economic difficulties mirror concerns he had raised before voters went to the ballot.
“I warned you in 2022, but you didn’t listen. Now you are crying,” he told delegates.
The former president encouraged citizens to listen to all political leaders seeking support but advised them to make informed decisions when elections arrive.
“When they come to your areas, kindly take the money, but when the election comes, vote wisely,” he said.
Calls for Unity Ahead of 2027 Election
As political activity begins to intensify ahead of the 2027 General Election, Uhuru appealed for unity within communities, warning that divisions could undermine development and weaken the region’s political influence.
He said leaders should focus on bringing Kenyans together rather than exploiting ethnic differences for political gain. According to the former president, national cohesion remains essential for economic progress and social stability.
Uhuru also sought to reassure supporters about the future of the Jubilee Party, saying the party remains active and is rebuilding its grassroots structures across the country.
He noted that ongoing meetings and engagements are part of a broader strategy to strengthen the party’s organisation and position it competitively ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Uhuru Targets Tribal Politics
During the meeting, Uhuru launched a sharp attack on ethnic-based politics, accusing some contemporary leaders of promoting dangerous divisions that threaten national unity.
Among those he singled out was Hassan Omar Hassan, whom he accused, alongside other political figures, of engaging in rhetoric that risks deepening ethnic tensions.
Addressing delegates, Uhuru insisted that no community should feel intimidated or marginalised because of its ethnic background, stressing that all citizens have equal rights and opportunities within the country.
“No one should appear to intimidate other tribes,” he said. “People from these communities are Kenyans. Don’t incite and divide Kenyans along tribal lines.”
The retired president expressed concern over what he described as the growing normalisation of ethnic politics, lamenting that some leaders openly make divisive remarks without facing criticism from senior officials.
“We have started seeing leaders shamelessly engaging in tribal politics, and they do this in broad daylight in front of national leaders,” he said.
He further criticised what he termed silence from influential figures who fail to challenge inflammatory political statements.
“As a nation, we must speak the truth because we do not want to make mistakes we have made before,” he added.
Warning Against Repeating 2007 Mistakes
Invoking memories of the violence that followed the disputed 2007 election, Uhuru cautioned that unchecked ethnic rhetoric could once again push the country toward instability.
He noted that divisive political language often begins gradually before escalating into broader societal conflict.
“We last saw what happened in 2007; it started with making tribal remarks,” he warned.
The former president called on government officials, security agencies and political leaders to remain vigilant and discourage rhetoric that could inflame tensions.
“I urge people in government, people in the security, not to allow this talk. Leaders should sell their manifestos and agendas for the country,” he said.
Focus on Cost of Living, Not Politics
Shifting his attention to the economy, Uhuru urged the government to prioritise the financial struggles facing ordinary Kenyans instead of engaging in political battles.
He argued that many households are grappling with rising living costs, leaving little income for food, education and other basic needs after paying rent and transport expenses.
“You are now in leadership, deal with the problems Kenyans are facing,” he said.
Using a typical household budget as an example, Uhuru illustrated how inflation and rising expenses have squeezed many low-income earners.
“The issue is simple: people are making noise because someone is saying, ‘I earn Sh20,000. From it, Sh800 goes to fuel, Sh12,000 is rent, and I am now left with Sh2,000 for feeding my family and taking my children to school.’ That is what Kenyans are going through. Address it and do not speak about tribes,” he stated.
His remarks come at a time of heightened political activity and growing public debate over the economy, governance and preparations for the 2027 General Election, with parties across the political divide positioning themselves for the next phase of Kenya’s political contest.
