Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has criticised what he described as tribal considerations in public appointments and hiring, urging government officials to serve Kenyans regardless of their ethnic background.
Speaking during a Jubilee Party leadership handover event, Uhuru said public officials should not use their positions to favour members of their own communities.
“Stop dividing Kenyans with petty politics and along tribal lines. How will that benefit Kenyans?” he said.
He pointed to Nairobi’s diversity as an example of why ethnic inclusion matters, asking whether the capital could function without people from different communities.
“Can Nairobi be without Kambas, Luos, Kisiis, Kalenjins, Somalis, coastal people?” he asked.
Uhuru also referred to what he said was advice from an unnamed government official to Cabinet secretaries and principal secretaries to employ people from their respective communities.
“Then there is one who says that if you are a Cabinet Secretary or Principal Secretary, employ people from your tribe,” he said.
“I look at them and wonder, are they mad?”
The former president questioned the idea, saying Cabinet secretaries and principal secretaries are appointed to serve the country rather than individual communities.
“Serve the people, that is why you are there,” he said.
His comments come as political parties prepare for the 2027 General Election, with questions over ethnic representation and appointments remaining part of Kenya’s political debate. Recent reporting has also highlighted internal changes and succession discussions within Jubilee as Uhuru prepares to hand over the party leadership.
Uhuru linked his argument for inclusive leadership to his support for former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, whom Jubilee has positioned as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
“And that is why I support Fred Matiang’i to be president,” Uhuru said.
He maintained that he would continue speaking on issues affecting the country despite criticism.
“I will speak the truth. I will not fear. Let them insult me or do as they wish,” he said.
Uhuru urged political leaders to focus on issues affecting Kenyans rather than exploiting ethnic differences, saying the country’s diversity should be treated as a strength.
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