Former President Uhuru Kenyatta attended the April 1, 2026, funeral of Kirinyaga Senator Daniel Karaba, urging national unity beyond tribal lines, honest leadership over politics, and service delivery. He emphasized his return to Ichaweri village to listen to locals with no plans to re-enter politics, amid presence of opposition figures like Rigathi Gachagua, Martha Karua, James Orengo, and Kalonzo Musyoka.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta attended the burial of his friend, the late Kirinyaga Senator Daniel Karaba, at Njegas Primary School in Kirinyaga Central on April 1, 2026. The event followed viral reports about his well-being and came amid political context, including Rigathi Gachagua's March 27 statement apologizing to Uhuru and viewing him as an elder brother despite 2022 tensions.
Kenyatta, who appeared jovial, sat near Gachagua and Martha Karua, with other figures like DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, James Orengo, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Wamunyoro also present. He stated he had come directly from his Ichaweri village solely to bid farewell to Karaba, dismissing associations with politics. “I have little to say. I left our village Ichaweri to come here to say goodbye to my friend," he said, expressing surprise at seeing certain attendees.
In his address, Kenyatta invoked his partnership with Raila Odinga: “Let us unite. This is what Raila and I wanted. What we really desired was for this country to be united. To be led by policies and principles, not by tribe, ethnic bitterness and hatred.” He stressed unity for peace, stability, and progress, warning against selling votes in pursuit of their dream of a united Kenya.
Praising Karaba for standing firm amid political waves, Uhuru advised: “It is better for people to listen to leaders, not politicians, because politicians have sweet tongues.” He called for integrity-driven leadership ahead of 2027 elections: “Be leaders. That is what the people of Kenya want. They want leadership, not politics. They don’t want insults. They want direction. They want leadership that will see them through to the other side.”
Kenyatta affirmed his post-presidency stance: “I returned to Ichaweri, listening to the people. What they want is unity. Whomever you choose, I will stay in Ichaweri. No problem. If you err, it is on you." He has no intention of seeking any political seat.
