Former President Uhuru Kenyatta says he has forgiven the Mt Kenya region for rejecting his preferred presidential candidate, the late Raila Odinga, in the 2022 General Election, but has cautioned voters against repeating what he described as a mistake in 2027.
Speaking on Monday during his 65th birthday celebrations, Uhuru said he held no grudge against the region despite its overwhelming support for President William Ruto in 2022.
“I forgave you [Mt Kenya] long ago. To err is not a mistake, but to repeat it,” Uhuru said in an interview conducted in Kikuyu with a local vernacular radio station.
“I am sure people will not repeat it. That is why I am telling leaders to unite to do what the masses want.”
In 2022, Uhuru backed Raila after falling out with his then deputy, Ruto, who went on to win the presidency on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.
Despite Uhuru’s efforts to rally Mt Kenya behind the Azimio la Umoja coalition, the region voted overwhelmingly for Ruto, providing a significant share of the votes that secured his victory over Raila.
The former president called on Mt Kenya leaders to unite ahead of the next election, urging residents to prioritise peace, forgiveness and national cohesion over political differences.
“Everyone wrongs each other. Even I, personally, have been wronged. Let’s learn to forgive each other,” he said.
“Our unity and togetherness are our strength. There is no need for people to hurl insults at each other. People should remain calm. They should unite and love each other, work together.”
Uhuru, who served as president from 2013 to 2022, said the country’s interests should take precedence over individual political ambitions.
“The country is bigger than anybody, including myself,” he said.
He also urged Kenyans to safeguard peace and work together to build a country future generations would be proud of, warning that national progress depended on unity.
His remarks come as political leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the Mt Kenya region remaining a key battleground in the contest over political alliances and leadership.
