Uhuru condemns alleged tribalism in government hiring

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has criticised unnamed government officials over what he described as attempts to promote tribalism in public appointments and employment, warning that such politics would divide Kenyans.

Uhuru said government officials appointed to serve the country should not use their positions to favour members of their ethnic communities.

He was speaking during the handover of the Jubilee Party leadership at the party's offices, where he also urged political leaders to avoid dividing Kenyans along tribal lines.

“Stop dividing Kenyans with petty politics and along tribal lines. How will that benefit Kenyans?” Uhuru asked.

The retired president questioned whether Nairobi, Kenya's capital and one of the country's most diverse cities, could function without people from different ethnic communities.

“Can Nairobi be without Kambas, Luos, Kisiis, Kalenjins, Somalis, coastal people?” he asked.

Uhuru then appeared to refer to comments allegedly made by an unnamed government official advising 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?”

Uhuru questioned the basis for such an approach, arguing that Cabinet secretaries and principal secretaries are appointed to serve the entire country rather than particular communities.

“What is that? Have you been appointed as Cabinet Secretary or PS to serve Kenyans?” he asked.

The former president said public officials should use their positions to serve all citizens equally regardless of their ethnic backgrounds.

“Serve the people, that is why you are there,” Uhuru said.

His remarks come amid renewed political debate over ethnic representation in government and public appointments as political parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Uhuru said political leaders should instead focus on issues that improve the lives of Kenyans and bring communities together.

He also linked his call for inclusive leadership to his support for former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i's presidential ambitions.

“And that is why I support Fred Matiang’i to be president,” Uhuru said.

The retired president had earlier endorsed Matiang’i as Jubilee Party's preferred presidential candidate, saying the former Interior CS should also seek to unite leaders from different political formations.

Uhuru maintained that he would continue speaking out on issues affecting the country despite criticism directed at him.

“I will speak the truth. I will not fear. Let them insult me or do as they wish,” he said.

He urged leaders to avoid exploiting ethnic differences for political or administrative purposes, saying Kenya's diversity should instead be viewed as a strength.