Uhuru: I forgave Mt Kenya for 2022 elections ‘mistake’

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has said he harbours no ill will towards the Mt Kenya region for defying his political call in the 2022 General Election, when he rallied voters to support the late Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga for the presidency.

Uhuru, who spoke on Monday during celebrations to mark his 65th birthday, said he had long forgiven the region for rejecting his preferred candidate but appeared to caution voters against repeating what he described as a mistake in the 2027 elections.

“I forgave you [Mt Kenya] long ago. To err is not a mistake, but to repeat it,” said Uhuru during an interview in his native Kikuyu language 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. I have nothing more to add but to wish everyone all the best.”

In 2022, Uhuru backed Raila after falling out politically with his then deputy, President William Ruto.

Despite the former president’s efforts to rally Mt Kenya behind the Azimio coalition candidate, the region overwhelmingly voted for Ruto, who was running on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.

Mt Kenya contributed about 3.5 million of the 7.1 million votes Ruto garnered nationally, helping him defeat Raila, who received about 6.9 million votes.

Reflecting on his relationship with the region, Uhuru said he continued to pray for the people and urged them to remain united despite the challenges facing the country.

“I have nothing much, only to thank you for remembering me today. I have continued remembering you as we pray for the country; even as times get hard, there is no problem,” he said.

“We are still there. We thank God for the gift of life. I am praying for our people to continue uniting and loving each other.”

The former president called on Mt Kenya residents to embrace forgiveness and avoid political hostility, warning that divisions would weaken the country at a time when unity was needed.

“Everyone wrongs each other. Even I, personally, have been wronged. Let’s learn to forgive each other.”

“Our unity and togetherness are our strength. There is no need for people to hurl insults at each other, as I sometimes overhear. People should remain calm. They should unite and love each other, work together.”

Uhuru, who served as president between 2013 and 2022, said national interests should take precedence over individual political ambitions and differences.

“The country is bigger than anybody, including myself.”

He urged Kenyans to safeguard peace and build a country that future generations would be proud of, saying such a goal could only be achieved through cooperation.

“Our duty, all of us, is to ensure that we maintain peace in the country; we have kept it the right way, and we have made a country which our descendants will love. We can’t achieve that without being united.”

He added that Kenyans should resolve their differences through dialogue and forgiveness rather than allowing disagreements to deepen divisions.

“Even when problems arise, we are the ones who will solve them. We can’t solve them without being united and forgiving each other.”

Uhuru concluded by calling on Kenyans to persevere through difficult times, remain united and continue praying for the country.

“People should continue persevering, to unite and put everything before our Lord…people should love each other.”

“Wabarikiwe na nchi yetu ibarikiwe na iendelee kubarikiwa.”

“My fellow Kenyans, may you be blessed, may you be strong, may you be in love, and may you be in unity.”