Uhuru Kenyatta Launches Book Honouring Late VP Michael Kijana Wamalwa’s Unity Legacy
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta launches a new book celebrating late VP Michael Kijana Wamalwa’s life and unity efforts during annual memorial in Kitale.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 23, 2026
2 min read
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta officially launched My Country First, a book commemorating the life and political contributions of the late Vice President Michael Kijana Wamalwa, during the annual memorial service held at Wamalwa’s mausoleum in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County.
Accompanied by opposition leaders and members of the Wamalwa family, Uhuru laid a wreath at the late VP’s grave and shared reflections on their political relationship. He revealed that he had once considered Wamalwa as a running mate in the 2002 General Election before the late leader joined President Mwai Kibaki’s ticket.
Book Highlights and Family Ties
Authored by Kondia Mwangi Wachira and Betty Wamalwa, the publication details Wamalwa’s life, career, and impact on Kenya’s political landscape. Uhuru Kenyatta penned the foreword. Eugene Wamalwa, the late VP’s brother and DAP-Kenya leader, noted the book sheds light on the close personal and political ties between Uhuru and Wamalwa, strengthened by family connections through marriage.
Eugene highlighted that Wamalwa’s first wife was related to Dr Njoroge Mungai, a close kin of founding President Jomo Kenyatta, explaining the longstanding relationship between the two families.
Unity and Peace Ahead of 2027 Elections
The memorial attracted a cross-section of political figures, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Charity Ngilu, Fred Matiang’i, Justin Muturi, and Musikari Kombo. The event celebrated Wamalwa’s enduring message of unity, which Eugene Wamalwa emphasized as vital with Kenya approaching the 2027 general elections.
He urged political leaders to promote peaceful campaigns free from ethnic divisions and violence, calling on voters to reject politicians who exploit tribalism.
The annual memorial service, held around August 23 to mark Wamalwa’s death in 2003, traditionally features prayers, wreath-laying, and reflections on his legacy. Wamalwa served as Vice President under Kibaki until his passing at age 59 while receiving treatment in London.
