Former President Uhuru Kenyatta turned 65 on Monday, October 26, 2026. He marked the day with a short call for national unity on live radio, while tributes came in from his office, political parties and his family.

Kenyatta was born on October 26, 1961. He served as Kenya's fourth president from 2013 to 2022, then handed over to President William Ruto after the August 2022 General Election.

A message of unity on air

The former Head of State was reached by phone during a live broadcast on Milele FM, and presenters on Kameme FM also called in their wishes. According to People Daily, Kenyatta used the moment to urge Kenyans to stay together and avoid division.

"Wananchi wasigawanywe, wakae wakiwa kitu kimoja," he said, meaning citizens should not be divided but remain united.

He asked the station to greet its listeners on his behalf and said he was praying for peace and unity in the country. "Nchi ni yetu na tutaisongesha mbele pamoja," he said, expressing his belief that Kenyans would move the country forward together.

Ngina's tribute: 'my first hero'

The most personal message came from his daughter, Ngina Kenyatta. In a Facebook post reported by K24 Digital, she wrote about her father as a parent rather than a politician.

"Happy Birthday to my darling Daddy. If I could go back in time, I would still choose you. Over and over again," she wrote.

Ngina remembered being carried on his shoulders as a child. She wrote that he waited for her even when he was tired and filled their home with laughter. She called him "my first hero, my first love, and my forever safe place", and thanked him for the sacrifices she said he never spoke about.

"I have grown, Daddy, but in your eyes I will always be your little girl, and in my heart you will always be my king," she added.

Tributes from his office and politicians

The Office of the Fourth President shared a message on X wishing him good health, peace and strength. "We celebrate your life, your years of service to our nation, and the enduring contribution you continue to make to Kenya and the African continent," the office said.

His spokesperson Kanze Dena also sent wishes, Capital FM reported. Messages also came from across the political divide. The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, wished him good health, and Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina asked Kenyans to celebrate the former president. Musician Muigai Njoroge also sent a message.

A quieter political role

The birthday comes weeks after Kenyatta stepped back from formal party politics. In September he handed the Jubilee Party leadership to former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, saying he would stay on as a senior adviser and member. On October 5, he resigned as chairperson of the Azimio la Umoja coalition, which has since been rebranded as The Ukombozi Alliance under Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

Although he no longer holds those positions, Kenyatta remains an influential figure, especially in Mt Kenya politics ahead of the 2027 General Election. He has also kept up his work on regional peace efforts and diplomacy.

On his 65th birthday, though, the public messages were mostly personal, and Kenyatta's own message was about keeping the country together.

Photos: People Daily, K24 Digital