Uhuru Kenyatta at 65: Retired President Calls for Peace and Unity as Kenyans Celebrate His Birthday
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on Kenyans to uphold peace, embrace unity and work together to move the country forward as he celebrates his 65th birthday on Monday, October 26, 2026. The retired Head of State used the milestone to remind citizens that Kenya’s future depends on their ability to stand together despite their political differences, social backgrounds and personal disagreements.
Speaking during a phone interview with Milele FM, Uhuru urged Kenyans to avoid divisions and remain united, emphasising that the country belongs to all its citizens. His message focused on national cohesion, peaceful coexistence and the shared responsibility of building a better future for the country.
The former President also offered prayers for Kenya, expressing his hope that the nation would continue enjoying peace and unity. He encouraged citizens to recognise their common interests and work collectively towards national progress rather than allow differences to weaken relationships between communities.
His remarks came as Kenyans and political leaders took to social media to celebrate his birthday, wishing him good health, happiness and many more years. The Office of the Fourth President of the Republic of Kenya also issued a birthday message acknowledging his years of public service and continued contribution to Kenya and the African continent.
Uhuru’s appeal for peace and unity adds to the messages he has delivered during previous birthday celebrations and public engagements. It also comes as political activity gradually intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election, a period when national cohesion and the conduct of political leaders are expected to remain important public concerns.
During the radio interview, Uhuru urged Kenyans not to allow themselves to be divided, calling on citizens to remain together as one nation.
“Wananchi wasigawanywe, wakae wakiwa kitu kimoja,” he said, encouraging Kenyans to remain united rather than allow differences to separate them.
The former President also expressed his hope that the country would continue enjoying peace, saying he was praying for both the people and the nation. His message was a reminder that the stability and progress of Kenya depend partly on the willingness of its citizens to coexist peacefully.
Uhuru further expressed confidence that Kenyans could move the country forward through collective effort. He emphasised that the nation belongs to everyone and that its future should be approached as a shared responsibility.
The message carries significance in a country where political competition can sometimes create tension between supporters of rival parties and leaders. Although political disagreements are part of a democratic society, they can become harmful when they lead to hostility, intimidation or discrimination.
By urging citizens to remain united, Uhuru called for a national outlook that places the country’s interests above divisions. His message suggests that Kenyans should be able to disagree on political matters without losing sight of the responsibilities they share as citizens.
National unity does not mean that everyone must support the same political party or agree on every government decision. Rather, it means recognising that people with different views still have equal rights and deserve respect.
Kenyans have different expectations of their leaders and may disagree over matters such as taxation, employment, public services, education, healthcare and the management of public resources. These issues require open debate and accountability. However, disagreements over them do not have to translate into personal hostility or divisions between communities.
Uhuru’s birthday message therefore places emphasis on the importance of maintaining peaceful relationships even when political opinions differ. His appeal is for citizens to recognise their shared identity and work towards a country in which differences can be managed through dialogue rather than confrontation.
Former President Prays for Peace and Prosperity in Kenya
Beyond his appeal for unity, Uhuru used his birthday interview to offer prayers for Kenya, expressing his hope that the country would remain peaceful and continue to enjoy God’s blessings.
He asked the radio station to pass his greetings to its listeners and communicate his prayers for the nation. His remarks reflected a message of hope and a desire for Kenyans to continue living together peacefully.
For many citizens, peace remains essential to everyday life. It allows people to work, operate businesses, attend school, travel and participate in public affairs without fear of violence or instability.
Peace also provides a foundation for economic activity and development. Businesses require stable conditions to operate, families need security to plan their futures, and communities need trust to work together on shared challenges.
When political disagreements lead to violence, the consequences can extend beyond those directly involved. Businesses may lose income, transport services may be disrupted, workers may miss opportunities and families may be forced to change their routines to protect themselves.
The effects can be especially damaging when violence creates mistrust between communities. Rebuilding relationships after serious confrontations may take years and require sustained efforts from political leaders, religious institutions, community organisations and ordinary citizens.
Uhuru’s appeal for peace is therefore relevant beyond the political arena. It speaks to the importance of protecting the conditions that allow Kenyans to pursue their personal goals and contribute to national development.
His prayer also reflects the hope that the country can continue addressing its challenges without sacrificing peaceful coexistence. While disagreements over public policy and leadership are inevitable, they can be managed through constitutional processes, dialogue and respect for the law.
Birthday Messages Celebrate Uhuru’s Years of Public Service
As Uhuru marked his 65th birthday, the Office of the Fourth President of the Republic of Kenya led the tributes by celebrating his life, years of service and continued contribution to the country and the continent.
In a message shared on social media, the office wished the retired President good health, peace, strength and many more fulfilling years. It also acknowledged his contribution to Kenya during his time in public office and beyond.
The birthday messages offered an opportunity for Kenyans to reflect on Uhuru’s years in leadership and his place in the country’s political history.
Uhuru served as Kenya’s fourth President from 2013 to 2022. He won the presidency in the 2013 and 2017 elections before handing over power to President William Ruto following the August 2022 General Election.
His presidency covered a decade of political, economic and social developments that continue to shape public debate in Kenya. As with other former presidents, his record remains part of the country’s political history and is viewed differently by citizens depending on their experiences, expectations and assessments of his administration.
For some Kenyans, his birthday is an opportunity to recognise his service to the country and wish him well in retirement. For others, it offers a moment to reflect on the policies, decisions and challenges that characterised his time in office.
The birthday messages, however, centred on celebrating his life and wishing him well as he entered another year. They also highlighted the continuing public interest in a former Head of State whose political and diplomatic activities remain relevant to national and regional discussions.
Retirement from the presidency has not removed Uhuru from the public eye. His involvement in regional peace initiatives and other engagements has allowed him to maintain a role in conversations about conflict resolution, stability and cooperation across Africa.
The office’s message acknowledged that contribution while wishing him the strength and good health to continue his work in the years ahead.
Uhuru’s Birthday Message Comes Ahead of the 2027 General Election
The former President’s appeal for unity comes as Kenya moves closer to the 2027 General Election, with political parties, aspirants and leaders preparing for another period of competition for public support.
Elections are an important part of democratic governance because they allow citizens to choose their representatives and determine who should hold public office. They also create opportunities for candidates to present their policies, explain their records and persuade voters to support their plans.
However, election periods can bring heightened political activity, disagreements over leadership and intense competition between rival groups. In such circumstances, calls for tolerance and national cohesion become particularly important.
Uhuru’s message urges Kenyans to avoid divisions and remember that the country belongs to all its citizens. It reinforces the principle that political competition should not undermine the relationships that bind people together beyond elections.
Citizens should be able to support different candidates without facing threats or discrimination. Political leaders should also be able to challenge one another’s policies without encouraging hostility among their supporters.
The responsibility for peaceful political participation rests with leaders, political parties, security agencies, the media and ordinary citizens. Leaders can help by using responsible language, respecting opponents and discouraging intimidation. Parties can promote internal discipline, while citizens can reject attempts to draw them into unnecessary confrontations.
The approaching election also provides an opportunity for voters to focus on issues that directly affect their lives. Questions about the cost of living, employment, education, healthcare, infrastructure and public accountability are central to the country’s future.
A healthy democratic environment should allow these issues to be debated openly and critically. Citizens should be free to question leaders, demand explanations and express dissatisfaction without fear.
Uhuru’s call for unity does not require Kenyans to set aside these concerns. Instead, peaceful coexistence creates room for them to be discussed and addressed through democratic institutions.
The former President’s message is a reminder that elections may determine who occupies political office, but the responsibility of building and protecting the country belongs to all Kenyans.
Uhuru’s Continued Role Beyond State House
Since leaving office in September 2022, Uhuru has remained involved in regional and continental affairs, particularly initiatives related to peace and conflict resolution.
His continued engagement has provided another dimension to his public life after the presidency. Former leaders can contribute to public affairs through diplomacy, mediation, mentorship and other forms of engagement that draw on their experience in government.
In Africa, where several countries have experienced political instability and armed conflict, peace initiatives often require sustained dialogue and cooperation between governments, communities and regional institutions.
Uhuru’s involvement in regional peace efforts has kept him connected to discussions about stability and the importance of resolving disagreements through dialogue. His birthday message to Kenyans reflects similar themes, placing emphasis on peaceful coexistence and collective responsibility.
The ability of former leaders to contribute after leaving office can also support continuity in public life. While elected governments have the responsibility to implement their programmes, experienced leaders may continue sharing perspectives on national and regional challenges.
Such contributions can take different forms and may be assessed according to their practical impact. Nevertheless, the broader principle is that public service can continue in different ways after a person leaves an elected position.
Uhuru’s birthday offered an opportunity to recognise this chapter of his life while reflecting on his years as Head of State. His appeal for peace and unity was directed at Kenyans generally, rather than limited to any single political group.
Why Peace and Unity Matter Beyond Politics
The message delivered by Uhuru on his 65th birthday touches on issues that affect the daily lives of ordinary Kenyans.
Unity can help communities cooperate on local development projects, resolve disputes and support people facing difficult circumstances. It can also create an environment where individuals feel respected despite differences in political opinion, culture, religion or economic circumstances.
Peace, meanwhile, allows institutions and businesses to function and enables families to make plans without constant fear of disruption. It provides the stability needed for people to pursue education, employment and other opportunities.
National cohesion is especially important when a country faces economic pressure or public dissatisfaction. Difficult economic conditions can increase frustration, and citizens may disagree sharply over how leaders should respond. Such disagreements should be addressed through open discussion, responsible leadership and lawful action.
Political leaders have an important role in setting the tone of public debate. Their statements can encourage citizens to focus on policy and accountability, or they can deepen hostility when disagreements are presented as conflicts between groups of people.
Citizens also influence the political environment through the information they share, the language they use and the way they respond to people with different views. Peaceful coexistence is strengthened when people verify information, avoid spreading inflammatory claims and engage in discussions respectfully.
The media has a responsibility to report political developments accurately and provide space for different perspectives. At the same time, citizens should be able to access reliable information and make their own judgments about public affairs.
These responsibilities do not eliminate political competition. Rather, they help ensure that competition takes place in a manner that respects the rights and dignity of everyone involved.
Uhuru’s birthday message therefore serves as a broader reminder that national progress requires more than political leadership alone. It also depends on the everyday choices of citizens and the willingness of institutions to protect peaceful participation.
Kenyans Celebrate Uhuru as He Turns 65
The retired President’s birthday attracted messages from political leaders and members of the public, with many wishing him good health and a peaceful, fulfilling year ahead.
The Office of the Fourth President highlighted his years of service and continued contribution to Kenya and Africa. Other well-wishers also shared messages of celebration and prayers for his well-being.
The messages reflected the public attention that continues to surround Uhuru even after his departure from State House. As a former Head of State, he remains a familiar figure in the country’s political landscape, and his statements continue to attract interest.
Birthdays for former national leaders can also become occasions for reflection on their lives, public service and the experiences that shaped their leadership. Citizens may hold different views about their records, but the milestone provides an opportunity to acknowledge the passage of time and wish them well.
For Uhuru, turning 65 comes after a decade as President and several years of public engagement following his retirement. His latest birthday message focused less on personal celebration and more on the future of the country, with peace and unity at the centre of his remarks.
His prayer for Kenya was accompanied by a message of shared responsibility. He expressed the belief that the country could continue moving forward if its people remained united and worked together.
As Kenyans sent their birthday wishes, the retired President’s words also invited reflection on how the country can maintain peaceful relationships while navigating political competition and other national challenges.
As former President Uhuru Kenyatta celebrates his 65th birthday, his call for peace and unity places national cohesion at the centre of his message to Kenyans. Through his interview with Milele FM, he urged citizens to avoid divisions, remain united and work together to move the country forward.
His remarks come as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election, making the appeal for peaceful coexistence particularly relevant. Political competition is a normal part of democracy, but it should not become a reason for intimidation, hatred or conflict between citizens.
Uhuru’s years in public service and his continued involvement in regional affairs have kept him in the public conversation since leaving the presidency in 2022. The birthday messages from his office and other well-wishers also offered an opportunity to reflect on his public life and wish him well.
Ultimately, the former President’s message is a call for Kenyans to recognise their shared future. The country’s progress depends on citizens being able to disagree peacefully, respect one another’s rights and work collectively towards common goals.
As he enters another year, Uhuru has expressed his hope that Kenya will remain peaceful, united and blessed. The responsibility of making that hope a reality rests not only with political leaders, but also with institutions, communities and every citizen.
