Nairobi — Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on the political class to rise above partisan divides, emphasizing the need for leadership rooted in service, integrity, and national unity.

Speaking on Wednesday in Kirinyaga County during the burial ceremony of former Kirinyaga Senator Daniel Karaba, Kenyatta urged leaders to focus on addressing the country's challenges and rise above insults and tribal divisions

He stressed that Kenyans want leadership that provides direction and fosters peace and stabilit

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"Be leaders, that is what the people of Kenya want. They want leadership; they don't want politics or insults," Uhuru said.

"They want direction, they want leadership that can see them to the other side. Our country needs unity in order for us to have peace, stability, and progress."

He pointed out that the country needs leaders of integrity who serve citizens rather than themselves.

"A country needs leaders who are principled and who are there to serve their people because by serving your people, by extension you are serving your God. Let's shun selfishness and recognize that our utmost duty is to serve the citizenry and all Kenyans," he said.

He reflected on the vision he shared with late opposition leader Raila Odinga, emphasizing the importance of unity over ethnic or tribal politics.

"Our biggest job, what we really desired, was for this country to be united, to be together, to be led by policies and principles, not by tribe, ethnic bitterness, and hatred," he said.

His remarks come amid growing public concerns over governance, economic challenges, and the conduct of the political class, as the nation approaches the 2027 general elections.

The burial ceremony was attended by several senior opposition figures including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang'i, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa, Justin Muturi and James Orengo.