Uhuru Warns Kenya Against Return of Tribal Politics Ahead of 2027 Polls

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has warned against the rise of tribal politics in Kenya, urging leaders to focus on development and the economic challenges facing ordinary citizens ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking at a Jubilee Party delegates’ meeting in Kiambu, Kenyatta criticised the country’s current political climate and said Kenya risked returning to ethnic divisions if leaders continued to use tribal rhetoric for political gain. He reminded supporters that he had cautioned voters during the 2022 election against supporting the current administration, arguing that many of the hardships now affecting households had been foreseeable.

“I warned you in 2022, but you didn’t listen. Now you are crying,” Kenyatta told delegates. He urged voters to assess leaders based on service delivery and measurable development rather than campaign slogans and political promises. He also advised citizens to make careful decisions at the ballot box, even if they accepted campaign handouts.

Kenyatta also criticised Hassan Omar Hassan, accusing him of promoting divisive ethnic rhetoric. He described the return of tribal politics as dangerous and warned that such statements could revive tensions similar to those witnessed during the 2007 post-election violence.

“No one should appear to intimidate other tribes,” he said, calling on government officials and security agencies to take action against inflammatory remarks before they escalate.

The former president also addressed the economic difficulties facing many Kenyans. He said rising living costs had placed heavy pressure on low-income households, noting that a monthly salary of Sh20,000 was no longer enough to cover rent, fuel, food and school expenses.

“You are now in leadership, deal with the problems Kenyans are facing,” he said, urging the administration to prioritise economic relief instead of political disputes.

Kenyatta said the Jubilee Party remained active and was rebuilding its grassroots structures as it prepared for future political contests. He also called for unity within the Mt Kenya region and across the country, warning that divisions would weaken communities and undermine development.

Hassan Omar later issued a formal apology following criticism from leaders in the Mt Kenya region, who accused him of fuelling ethnic tensions and involving Kenyatta in partisan political disputes.