[1] In modern Kazakhstan, he is revered at the state level as the leader of the National Liberation Movement of the Kazakhs in 1837–1847 for Independence from the Russian Empire.

In Soviet historiography, Kenesary was characterized as the leader of the reactionary feudal-monarchist movement aimed at separating Kazakhstan from Russia.

Kenesary demanded that Russia restore the independence of the Kazakh statehood under Ablai Khan, eliminate taxes and withdraw from the military occupied forts.

Kenesary's representatives, who were sent to deliver a letter to the West Siberian Governor-General and Tsar Nicholas I of Russia, were captured and punished.

[4][5] When Kenesary realized that he could not defeat the Russian forces, he accepted amnesty and joined the Kirgiz struggle against the Khanate of Kokand.