Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has strongly defended democratic freedoms, warning against attempts to block political rivals from holding meetings as allegations continue to swirl that he is backing the opposition.
Speaking at the memorial event marking 23 years since the death of Kijana Wamalwa, Uhuru said Kenya’s democracy was earned through sacrifice and that no one has the right to deny citizens the freedom to support leaders of their choice.
His remarks come against the backdrop of heightened political tensions and claims by some government allies that he is supporting opposition activities ahead of the next General Election.
“When you look at their sponsor, didn’t he fail in Affordable Housing? Didn’t he fail in Universal Health Coverage? Didn’t he fail in educating our children? Now he has gone and organized his proxies and is sending them to compete against me. I will defeat them early in the morning because they have no plan, agenda, policies, or vision,” Ruto had earlier stated.
Uhuru on Kenyan’s Political Rights
However, the former President appeared to dismiss attempts to dictate the country’s political direction, insisting that the right to choose leaders belongs to the people.
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He recalled the struggle for multiparty democracy and praised leaders who sacrificed to ensure Kenyans enjoyed the freedom to elect leaders of their choice.
“Even if we belonged to different political camps, it did not make us enemies,” Uhuru said as he reflected on his relationship with the late Wamalwa, noting that political competition should never be turned into personal hostility.
Uhuru said no one should be prevented from seeking elective office and warned against attempts by rival camps to frustrate political activities.
He said Kenya was a democratic society and that the freedoms enjoyed today were fought for through sacrifice by leaders such as Wamalwa and others who championed political reforms.
The former Head of State maintained that Kenyans should choose their leaders through the ballot.
“Whenever citizens decide they want Kalonzo, it is Kalonzo. If they say they want Ruto, it is Ruto. If they say they want Matiang’i, it is Matiang’i. If Kenyans want Sifuna, then Sifuna it will be. Please be careful. I do not want to be called a sponsor. I do not want those many issues,” he said.
Uhuru further urged politicians to take their message directly to voters instead of relying on intimidation or restrictions against opponents.
Warning Against Political Intimidation
The former President criticized what he described as attempts to stop political gatherings, saying such actions risk reversing the democratic gains the country has made over the years.
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He told leaders to campaign peacefully and allow voters to make their own judgment at the ballot box.
Drawing on his own political experience, Uhuru said he had previously sought votes and lost before eventually winning, arguing that electoral competition should always be respected.
“If you want votes, ask for them peacefully. Citizens know what they want. They will either give you their votes or deny you,” he said.
Uhuru on Kijana Wamalwa
Uhuru described the late Kijana Wamalwa as a friend whose commitment to democracy helped shape modern Kenya.
The former President recalled that while he and the late Wamalwa supported rival political camps, they maintained a cordial relationship and frequently engaged on matters affecting the country.
According to Uhuru, Wamalwa was among the leaders who sacrificed immensely to secure democratic freedoms and ensure Kenyans had the right to elect leaders of their choice.
He said those gains should be protected and not rolled back through actions that limit political competition.
He noted that after changes in government, leaders from both the opposition and the ruling side continued working together in the interest of the nation, saying such respect and tolerance were critical for the country’s democratic growth.
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