Uhuru calls on political leaders to protect democratic freedoms, respect political diversity

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on Kenya's political leaders to protect democratic freedoms, respect political diversity, and allow citizens to freely determine their political leadership, warning that attempts to suppress political competition risk reversing the democratic gains for which generations of Kenyans sacrificed.

Kenyatta was speaking in Kitale on Sunday during a ceremony marking the 23rd anniversary of the passing of former Vice President Michael Kijana Wamalwa, where he joined the Wamalwa family, political leaders, and residents in honoring the late statesman's contribution to Kenya's democratic journey.

In a strong defense of political freedoms, the former President said the democratic rights enjoyed by Kenyans today were secured through the sacrifices of leaders who fought for a society in which citizens could freely choose their representatives.

"Let us also remember that Kijana Wamalwa, together with others, sacrificed greatly to fight for democracy in our country; to defend the freedom of Kenyans to choose the leaders they want," he said. "No one can take away a right that was fought for through sacrifice and say that people no longer have the right to stand wherever they choose," he added.

The former Head of State stressed that Kenya's democratic character must be preserved, cautioning against political practices that restrict citizens or political actors from exercising their constitutional freedoms.

"We are a democratic society, and those democratic ideals were fought for very hard by the man, among others, whom we honor today. And we cannot allow ourselves to go backward," said Kenyatta.

The commemoration, held at the late Wamalwa's family home in Kitale, also provided an opportunity to celebrate the life and enduring legacy of the former Vice President through the launch of a book documenting his remarkable public life and contribution to Kenya.

Former President Kenyatta, who wrote the foreword to the book My Country First, described Michael Kijana Wamalwa as "one of the better angels of our nature", recalling him as a statesman who never regarded political opponents as enemies, but as competitors. Kenyatta described Wamalwa as "the gentleman of Kenya's politics", saying he epitomized integrity, sobriety, maturity, and decency in Kenya's political life, an attribute that was echoed by various speakers at the ceremony.

The event brought together leaders from various political divides, among them former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Dr. Fred Matiang'i, Justin Muturi, Charity Ngilu, and Martha Karua.