Uhuru calls for protection of democratic freedoms

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Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged political leaders to protect democratic freedoms and respect political diversity.

Uhuru said democratic rights enjoyed by Kenyans were secured through the sacrifices of leaders who fought for a society where citizens could freely elect their representatives.

He spoke on Saturday in Kitale during a ceremony marking the 23rd anniversary of the death of former Vice President Michael Kijana Wamalwa.

“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,” Kenyatta 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 President said Kenya must not reverse the democratic gains achieved through years of struggle, cautioning against 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,” he said.

Uhuru was speaking during a commemoration held at Wamalwa’s family home in Kitale, where political leaders and residents gathered to honour the former Vice President’s contribution to Kenya’s democratic journey.

The event also saw the launch of ‘My Country First’, a book documenting Wamalwa’s public life and political legacy.

The commemoration brought together leaders from the United opposition, including former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, former Attorney General Justin Muturi, former Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu and former Justice Minister Martha Karua.

Reporting originally appeared via KBC Digital. Read the full source for additional context.