Kanze Dena Mararo, CBS, EBS

Secretary Communication, Office of the 4th President of the Republic of Kenya.

[Office of the 4th President of Kenya. @4thPresidentKE]

Kenyatta Calls for Peaceful Political Competition and Respect for Democratic Rights

KITALE, Sunday 23rd August, 2026: President (Rtd) H.E. 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 spoke today in Kitale 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.

[Office of the 4th President of Kenya. @4thPresidentKE]

Former President H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta today joined family, leaders and residents of Kitale in commemorating the 23rd anniversary of the passing of the late Vice President Michael Kijana Wamalwa, who died on 23 August 2003.

[Office of the 4th President of Kenya. @4thPresidentKE]

Closing ceremony of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Conference held at the Addis International Convention Center, Ethiopia.

[Office of the 4th President of Kenya. @4thPresidentKE]

H.E. President (Rtd) Uhuru Kenyatta today graced the closing ceremony of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Conference at the Addis International Convention Center in Addis Ababa, where he highlighted Ethiopia’s rich civilisation, diverse cultural heritage and the enduring value of indigenous systems of governance.

Reflecting on his journey across the country, the former President spoke of Ethiopia’s diverse communities and drew particular attention to the Gadaa system of the Oromo people, describing it as a remarkable heritage deserving greater international recognition.

The Ethiopian National Dialogue Conference brought together representatives from diverse sections of Ethiopian society to deliberate on issues of national importance, exchange perspectives and seek areas of common understanding and consensus. The process represents an important effort to address longstanding differences through dialogue and peaceful political engagement.

The closing ceremony was also addressed by former Nigerian President H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo, among other distinguished dignitaries, underscoring the wider African significance of inclusive dialogue, peaceful engagement and locally rooted approaches to building sustainable peace and cohesion.

[Office of the 4th President of Kenya. @4thPresidentKE]

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta arrives in Addis Ababa ahead of the closing ceremony of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Conference.

[Office of the 4th President of Kenya. @4thPresidentKE]

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, ahead of the closing ceremony of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Conference, scheduled for tomorrow at the Addis International Convention Center.

The invitation, extended by the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission, recognises the former President’s continued contribution to peacebuilding and inclusive political dialogue across the region. The conference has brought together representatives from diverse sections of Ethiopian society to deliberate on issues of national importance, build common understanding and advance consensus through peaceful political engagement.

Kenyatta's presence at the closing ceremony underscores the wider regional significance of Ethiopia’s national dialogue process, particularly in strengthening peace, stability and cooperation across the Horn of Africa.

[Kanze Dena Mararo, CBS, EBS @KanzeDena]

FAKE NEWS.

[Kanze Dena Mararo, CBS, EBS @KanzeDena]

Behind every word of gratitude is a life touched. Guided by its mission of Inspiring Action, Changing Lives, @BeyondZeroKenya continues to bring free cervical and breast cancer screening closer to communities in Embu County, making early detection more accessible and giving more women the opportunity to protect their health.

#CervicalCancerAwareness #EarlyDetectionSaveLives

[Kanze Dena Mararo, CBS, EBS @KanzeDena]

The outreach at Mufu Dispensary in Runyenjes underscored @BeyondZeroKenya's mission of Inspiring Action, Changing Lives, with women and girls benefiting from critical preventive and reproductive healthcare services.

#CervicalCancerAwareness #EarlyDetectionSaveLives

[Kanze Dena Mararo, CBS, EBS @KanzeDena]

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta earlier today virtually attended a High-Level Harmonization Meeting of the AU Panel of Facilitators for the Eastern DRC Peace Process and the Independent Joint Secretariat (IJS) Implementation of the Eastern DRC Peace Process.

The meeting brought together the AU Panel of Facilitators, comprising former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria), Sahle-Work Zewde (Ethiopia), Catherine Samba-Panza (Central African Republic), and Mokgweetsi Masisi (Botswana). Also in attendance were representatives from the African Union (AU), Southern African Development Community (SADC), East African Community (EAC), International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), representatives of the State of Qatar, and the United States, underscoring the shared commitment of regional and international partners to advancing a sustainable and inclusive peace process in eastern DRC.

The meeting, held in Gaborone, Botswana, reaffirmed the collective resolve of the African Union, regional economic communities, and international partners to strengthen coordination, accelerate implementation of agreed peace initiatives, and support the AU Mediator in advancing a credible and sustainable pathway toward peace, stability, and security in eastern DRC.

#DRCPeaceProcess #AUPeaceEfforts

[Beyond Zero @BeyondZeroKenya]

As more women embrace routine screening, @BeyondZeroKenya and the Department of Health Services, Embu County remain committed to ensuring that no woman is left behind in the fight against cervical and breast cancer. Together, we are building healthier communities where early detection leads to timely treatment, better outcomes, and more lives saved.

#YourHealthOurPriority #EarlyDetectionSaveLives

[Beyond Zero @BeyondZeroKenya]

Breaking Barriers to Cancer Care

The two-day free breast and cervical cancer screening outreach by Beyond Zero, in partnership with the Department of Health Services Embu County, concluded successfully today at MUFU Dispensary in Runyenjes, with a remarkable turnout of women and girls of all ages seeking preventive healthcare services.

The strong community response underscored the growing awareness that early detection saves lives. Hundreds of women took advantage of the free screening services, health education, and referrals, reaffirming the importance of bringing quality healthcare closer to the people.

By taking these services directly to communities, Beyond Zero continues to remove barriers to access while empowering women to take charge of their health before disease progresses.

Read more: https://t.co/wpNw15GkYO

#EarlyDetectionSavesLive

[Beyond Zero @BeyondZeroKenya]

This collaboration underscores the shared commitment of Beyond Zero and the Embu County Department of Health to strengthen preventive healthcare, empower communities with knowledge, and ensure that more women have access to quality health services that can save lives. #EarlyDetectionSavesLives

[Beyond Zero @BeyondZeroKenya]

The two-day exercise, taking place today and tomorrow at MUFU Dispensary in Runyenjes, brings together healthcare professionals who are providing free screening, health education, and referrals where necessary. By taking these essential services directly to the community, the initiative seeks to eliminate barriers to access while raising awareness of the importance of routine cancer screening in improving health outcomes.

#EarlyDetectionSavesLives

[Beyond Zero @BeyondZeroKenya]

#EarlyDetectionSavesLives. The Beyond Zero Initiative has partnered with the Department of Health Services - Embu County to bring free cervical and breast cancer screening services closer to the community. The outreach is aimed at increasing access to life-saving preventive healthcare by encouraging women to undergo regular screening for early detection and timely treatment.

[Beyond Zero @BeyondZeroKenya]

@BeyondZeroKenya bringing menstrual dignity and hope to girls in West Pokot's hardest-to-reach communities.
#MenstrualDignity #KeepGirlsInSchool #EndPeriodPoverty

[Beyond Zero @BeyondZeroKenya]

Reaching the hardest-to-reach communities means ensuring that every girl, regardless of where she lives, has the opportunity to learn, thrive, and build a better future.

#MenstrualDignity #KeepGirlsInSchool #EndPeriodPoverty

[Beyond Zero @BeyondZeroKenya]

Beyond Zero Outreach Helps Girls Overcome Menstrual Barriers to Education

#MenstrualDignity #KeepGirlsInSchool #endperiodpovertyforall

[Beyond Zero @BeyondZeroKenya]

Beyond Zero Keeping Girls in School

#MenstrualDignity #KeepGirlsInSchool #endperiodpovertyforall

[Beyond Zero @BeyondZeroKenya]

The outreach conducted from 13-15 July, targeted girls from some of the most marginalized and underserved communities in Kacheliba, with beneficiaries drawn from Kodich AIC, Tapadany, Kodich Catholic, Parasinda, Natemeri, Kawolok Junior School, Napitiro, Kodera Comprehensive School, St. Paul Karon, Kaingeny, Sebur and Kacheliba Mixed Primary School.

#MenstrualDignity #KeepGirlsInSchool #endperiodpovertyforall