Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has said he holds no grudge against the Mt Kenya region for rejecting his preferred presidential candidate, Raila Odinga, in the 2022 General Election, while urging residents to unite ahead of the 2027 polls.

Speaking on Monday, October 26, 2026, during celebrations to mark his 65th birthday, Uhuru said he had forgiven the region for disregarding his political position in the last election but appeared to caution voters against repeating what he considers a mistake.

“I forgave you [Mt Kenya] long ago. To err is not a mistake, but to repeat it,” Uhuru said during an interview conducted in Kikuyu with a local vernacular radio station.

“I am sure people will not repeat it. That is why I am telling leaders to unite to do what the masses want. I have nothing more to add but to wish everyone all the best.”

His remarks come as political leaders begin positioning themselves for the 2027 General Election, with the Mt Kenya region expected to remain a significant battleground.

How Mt Kenya Helped William Ruto Win in 2022

During the 2022 presidential election, Uhuru backed Raila Odinga, the late former Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, after falling out politically with his then deputy, William Ruto.

Despite Uhuru’s efforts to rally voters behind Raila and the Azimio la Umoja coalition, the Mt Kenya region overwhelmingly supported Ruto, who contested on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.

The region delivered millions of votes to Ruto, contributing significantly to his victory over Raila.

According to the figures cited in the account of the election, Ruto garnered approximately 7.1 million votes nationally, compared with Raila’s roughly 6.9 million.

The outcome marked a major political setback for Uhuru, who had sought to influence the region’s voting decisions after serving as president for two terms.

His latest comments suggest that he remains interested in the region’s political direction as the next election approaches, although he also emphasised the importance of allowing leaders to respond to the wishes of the electorate.

Uhuru Urges Mt Kenya Residents to Forgive and Unite

Beyond electoral politics, the former president called on residents to maintain unity, forgive one another and avoid political hostility.

He said he continued to pray for the people of Mt Kenya and encouraged them to remain hopeful despite the economic and social challenges facing the country.

“I have nothing much, only to thank you for remembering me today. I have continued remembering you as we pray for the country; even as times get hard, there is no problem,” he said.

“We are still there. We thank God for the gift of life. I am praying for our people to continue uniting and loving each other.”

Uhuru also warned against insults and divisions among political supporters, arguing that unity was essential for the region and the country as a whole.

“Everyone wrongs each other. Even I, personally, have been wronged. Let’s learn to forgive each other.”

“Our unity and togetherness are our strength. There is no need for people to hurl insults at each other, as I sometimes overhear. People should remain calm. They should unite and love each other, work together.”

‘The Country Is Bigger Than Anybody’

Uhuru, who served as Kenya’s president from 2013 to 2022, urged leaders and citizens to place national interests above personal ambitions and political disagreements.

“The country is bigger than anybody, including myself,” he said.

He called on Kenyans to safeguard peace and work together to build a country that future generations would be proud to inherit.

“Our duty, all of us, is to ensure that we maintain peace in the country; we have kept it the right way, and we have made a country which our descendants will love. We can’t achieve that without being united.”

The former president added that disagreements should be addressed through dialogue and forgiveness rather than hostility.

“Even when problems arise, we are the ones who will solve them. We can’t solve them without being united and forgiving each other.”

He concluded by urging Kenyans to persevere through difficult times, remain united and continue praying for the country.

“People should continue persevering, to unite and put everything before our Lord…people should love each other.”

Uhuru’s birthday message combines a call for reconciliation with a pointed reflection on the 2022 election, as political alliances and voter mobilisation efforts gather momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election.