By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, May 25, 2026 - Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has accused President William Ruto of failing to rein in leaders promoting divisive ethnic politics, warning that reckless political rhetoric risks reopening old national wounds ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a Jubilee Party delegates’ meeting in Kiambu on Monday, Uhuru delivered a sharp message against leaders using tribal sentiments for political mobilisation, saying no Kenyan community should be threatened or isolated.
“Nobody is supposed to threaten a certain community because we are all Kenyans, and God knows why we are together in this country. You should not divide us,” Uhuru said.
Although he did not mention names directly, the former Head of State appeared to criticise President Ruto for remaining silent as some United Democratic Alliance (UDA) leaders made controversial political remarks during a recent event in Mombasa.
“We have started seeing others spreading divisive ethnic politics. They don’t have shame while saying these things. They are making the remarks in front of leaders of our country, and nobody tries to stop them,” he added.
Uhuru’s comments came during a politically charged Jubilee gathering co-chaired with former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, who also defended the retired President against criticism from Kenya Kwanza leaders.
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The meeting highlighted Jubilee’s renewed political activism and growing alignment with opposition figures as political temperatures slowly rise ahead of the next election cycle.
For Uhuru, however, the message appeared less about party politics and more about national unity.
The former President warned that Kenya could not afford to return to politics built on ethnicity and fear, especially at a time when many Kenyans are struggling with economic hardship and demanding issue-based leadership.
His remarks are likely to intensify political debate within the Kenya Kwanza administration, where some allies have repeatedly accused Uhuru of quietly influencing opposition politics despite his retirement from office.
But Uhuru has maintained that retirement does not mean silence, insisting he still has a duty to speak on matters affecting the country and defend the political party he helped build.
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