Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has called for peace and urged an end to tribalism in the country in his first public address in front of both President William Ruto and the impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Uhuru was speaking on Saturday, November 16, at the consecration of Bishop Peter Kimani at the Embu Catholic Archdiocese where he championed peace between Kenyan leaders and the citizens.
“We should pray for peace in Kenya. Let us pray for cooperation between Kenyan citizens and leaders. Let us stop tribalism and let us love each other,” he urged the crowd.
Uhuru reiterated that togetherness in the country should be the main priority and that leaders and citizens should all strive towards the growth of the country.
“We are all Kenyans. Kenya cannot go forward if there’s conflict amongst citizens and when there is no respect for each other. Leaders, respect the citizens, and the citizens will respect you,” he urged.
Uhuru added that since his retirement he was keeping a low profile with limited political activity. His comments generated a great wave of laughter from the large crowd present.
“I do not have much to say. You know these days I do not speak much. I just watch TV and listen to the radio,” Uhuru stated as he chuckled.
The former President’s comments come in the wake of a period of political division in the country. This was witnessed in the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his subsequent replacement with Kithure Kindiki. The aftermath of Gachagua’s ouster exposed the deep rift between Ruto and Gachagua.
The Ruto-Gachagua fiasco left many Kenyans in a state of frustration with many claiming that the government was prioritizing their own issues and ignoring more pressing issues of national concern.
Uhuru’s message of peace carried greater significance after catholic bishops recently came out and criticized Ruto’s government. The cleric's criticism of the government drew sharp reactions from various ministries and politicians who hit out at them for publicly castigating Ruto.
While speaking at the event, Uhuru also took the opportunity to congratulate Bishop Kimani on his consecration adding that the priest was his close friend. Uhuru described the new bishop as a responsible leader, humble, soft-spoken, and kind.
"I want to assure the people of Embu, you have won yourself a very responsible leader, very humble and soft-spoken, the former president claimed.
