Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has launched a scathing critique of President William Ruto and several United Democratic Alliance (UDA) figures, accusing them of fostering divisive, ethnicity-driven politics in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
During a Jubilee Party delegates’ gathering in Kiambu on Monday, May 25, Uhuru delivered a passionate tirade against UDA affiliates, specifically addressing comments made by certain leaders in recent days.
While avoiding direct naming, the ex-Head of State conveyed his disapproval toward several officials, indirectly criticizing Ruto for reportedly ignoring statements from UDA counterparts during a recent Mombasa event last week.
“No individual should threaten any particular community as we are all Kenyans, and only God understands why we coexist in this nation. You must not divide us,” Uhuru declared.
The past President cautioned that ethnic-based politics jeopardizes national unity, criticizing current officials for their lack of accountability when communicating with the populace.
“We are witnessing the spread of divisive ethnic politics by some quarters. They show no embarrassment while making such statements. These remarks are delivered in the presence of our nation’s leaders, yet nobody intervenes to prevent them,” he continued, implicitly blaming Ruto for not reprimanding Omar following his comments.
Uhuru’s statements arrive amid UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar facing backlash for his recent comments during President Ruto’s coastal tour in Mombasa last week.
Omar is accused of making provocative statements and persistently attacking Uhuru Kenyatta, comments interpreted as potentially destabilizing the country ahead of the 2027 polls.
“We are not ignorant. While you oppressed us, we persevered and watched. We bear no ill will toward anyone, but you cannot continually display arrogance and condescension toward us. We too received education; we are neither foolish nor indolent,” Omar partially stated during a rally.
Uhuru characterized the recent comments as perilous to the nation, warning they could incite divisions reminiscent of the chaos Kenya experienced during the 2007 post-election violence.
“As a nation, we must be honest with ourselves. This is not the first instance of leaders making inflammatory remarks that encourage violence, as we witnessed in 2007 when such statements fueled conflict,” he added.
The ex-president urged governmental leaders to advocate for peace among citizens rather than making statements that could once again plunge the country into turmoil.
Uhuru also took the opportunity to clarify his continued engagement in politics despite retirement. He disclosed his intention to withdraw from active politics in good faith, but ongoing legal disputes involving the Jubilee Party compelled him to retain leadership of the party.
“When I departed from the presidency, I transferred power peacefully and exited with honorable intentions. Certain individuals perceived this as a chance to damage our party. They entangled us in court proceedings that never should have occurred,” he explained.
Uhuru affirmed that his continued presence in politics is aimed at stabilizing the party before facilitating an internal transition.
“Had it not been for the legal actions initiated by specific individuals, I would have completely stepped back. Nevertheless, here we stand,” he noted.
The former president further disclosed that the party had commenced leadership restructuring following constitutional amendments.