,Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has warned against political intolerance ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying efforts to disrupt opposition rallies risk dragging Kenya backwards.
Speaking in Kitale during a memorial service marking 23 years since the death of former Vice President Michael Kijana Wamalwa, Uhuru urged political leaders to allow their rivals to campaign freely and seek votes through peaceful means.
Uhuru’s remarks came amid growing political tensions as opposition leaders explore ways of working together to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 elections.
“Stopping others from holding political meetings is taking Kenya backwards. If you want votes, ask for them peacefully,” Uhuru said.
The former President added that political competition should not prevent Kenyans from exercising their democratic rights, recalling his own experience after losing an election before eventually returning to seek another mandate.
“Even I asked for votes and was denied, but I went back and tried again,” he said.
Uhuru also rejected claims that he was sponsoring opposition activities, arguing that Kenyan voters were capable of making their own political decisions without being directed by political leaders.
His comments came against the backdrop of accusations by opposition figures that some of their meetings have been disrupted by groups allegedly opposed to their political activities.
President Ruto, however, has previously criticised Uhuru’s continued involvement in active politics, arguing that the retired President should have adopted a statesman’s role after leaving office.
“My predecessor has an option to become a statesman and rise above politics. But he chose to climb down and become an opposition leader,” Ruto said.
The exchange highlights the widening political divide ahead of the 2027 election, with Uhuru increasingly commenting on the political environment while Ruto seeks to defend his administration and consolidate support for a second term.
The former President’s remarks also come as political leaders across the country intensify consultations over possible alliances and coalition arrangements ahead of the next election.
With the 2027 contest expected to be highly competitive, the question of political tolerance, freedom of assembly and peaceful campaigning is likely to remain central to Kenya’s political debate in the coming months.