Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has pushed back against claims that he is fuelling divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), saying his recent political engagements are aimed at promoting national unity and stability, not interfering with the party’s internal affairs.
Speaking on Tuesday, December 30, during the burial of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, Kenyatta described the accusations from a section of ODM leaders as “baseless propaganda” that politicians use to cover up their own shortcomings.
The retired head of state warned his critics against mistaking his retirement from active politics for weakness or silence.
“I am retired, but let me be clear if you poke me in the eye, I will poke back,” Kenyatta said. “Let us respect one another. I respect the political order and the multiparty space created through great struggle, and others should do the same.”
Uhuru urged leaders who feel threatened or aggrieved to stop looking for scapegoats and instead focus on building their own political identities. He challenged them to take their ideas directly to the people rather than moving from one forum to another trading accusations, which he said adds little value to the country’s progress.
His remarks come at a time of heightened tension within the ODM party following the passing of its long-time leader, Raila Odinga. Over the weekend, ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga accused Kenyatta of working through intermediaries and party insiders to weaken cohesion within the party.
However, allies of the former president, including digital strategist Pauline Njoroge, argue that Kenyatta is being unfairly blamed for internal power struggles between ODM’s old guard and a younger faction that is increasingly uncomfortable with the party’s perceived closeness to the current administration.
Amid the sharp exchanges, the burial ceremony also offered a moment of reconciliation. ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna issued a public apology to Kenyatta on behalf of the party, faulting some leaders for what he termed ingratitude.
Sifuna reminded the gathering of the role Kenyatta played in backing the late Raila Odinga during the 2022 General Election, insisting that the former president’s continued involvement in national political conversations is driven by goodwill and a desire to see a strong, democratic Kenya.
In his closing remarks, Kenyatta called on leaders from the Western region to take the lead in fostering national dialogue. He urged them to first engage among themselves before reaching out to leaders from other regions to jointly shape the country’s future direction.