The Young and Emerging Leaders Advocacy Forum (YELAF) has postponed its planned visit to the Ichaweri home of former president Uhuru Kenyatta, citing security concerns and the need for further consultations.
YELAF Chairperson Samuel Kagwe said the organisation will announce a new date after completing internal planning and coordinating with the Office of the Fourth President. He explained that the group intends to broaden participation to include more young and emerging leaders seeking mentorship and civic grounding.
“We will announce a new date to our members after further internal planning and in liaison with the Office of the 4th President. We intend to broaden the convening to accommodate more young and emerging leaders who are seeking mentorship and civic grounding,” Kagwe said.
Intelligence Reports Prompt Change of Plans
Kagwe noted that the forum had made significant progress in meeting the necessary protocols ahead of the visit. However, fresh intelligence altered the group’s decision.
“We made progress in fulfilling the protocols, and it is this last bit of information that made us change our minds. We received intelligence that there was a group which had planned to infiltrate us. We had planned the visit to be February 23, 2026,” he stated.
The leadership concluded that proceeding under those circumstances posed avoidable risks. According to Kagwe, safeguarding members and maintaining the integrity of the engagement took priority over sticking to the original schedule.
Coordination With Former President’s Office
YELAF member Gitau Wagatonye said the forum had acknowledged communication from the former president’s office and would align its next steps accordingly.
“With the letter that was sent through the Spokesperson Kanze Dena, they acknowledge our effort and that we are there. We have adhered to what they have said that we will be part of the communication as we plan for this. We believe that in the next two to three weeks,” Wagatonye said.
The forum maintains that its intended visit to Ichaweri was purely for mentorship and to deepen young leaders’ understanding of Kenya’s political history. Members insist the initiative was not political mobilisation but an effort to engage a former head of state on governance, leadership and civic responsibility.
Uhuru Clarifies Position on Visit
On Sunday, Uhuru Kenyatta issued a clarification following media reports that a youth group was planning to visit his private residence in Ichaweri, Gatundu.
In a statement signed by Communication Secretary Kanze Dena, the former president confirmed awareness of the reported visit but indicated he was not in a position to host the group at this time.
“We encourage organisers of such initiatives to formally communicate with the Office in advance so that arrangements can be made for structured, peaceful, and meaningful dialogue,” Dena said.
The Office of the Former President noted it had not received any formal request regarding the planned visit and did not identify the organisers in its statement.
Call for Structured Engagement
Despite declining to host the group at the time, the statement emphasised that Kenyatta remains open to engaging young people in a respectful and well-organised setting.
“Former President Kenyatta remains open to meeting and exchanging views in a dignified manner that fosters unity and mutual respect,” Dena said.
The office praised Kenyan youth for their energy, innovation and patriotism, stressing that young people play a vital role in national discourse. It added that while the former president supports dialogue, any engagement must follow proper channels and prioritise order and security.
“Kenya belongs to all of us. Let us always choose dialogue over disruption and engagement over division,” the statement read.
Broader Context
The development highlights the sensitivity surrounding high-profile political engagements, even when framed as mentorship initiatives. Ichaweri, as Kenyatta’s private residence, remains a secure and personal space. Any organised visit to such a location demands careful coordination with security agencies and the Office of the Former President.
YELAF’s decision to postpone appears aimed at avoiding confrontation, infiltration or potential disruption. By stepping back and seeking structured engagement, the forum signalled its intention to protect its members and maintain legitimacy.
The coming weeks will likely determine whether the proposed meeting proceeds under a revised framework. For now, both parties have expressed willingness for dialogue, provided it occurs in a controlled, respectful and formally communicated manner.
