Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has dismissed claims that he is fueling divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), stating that his recent political engagements aim to promote national unity and stability rather than interfere in the party's internal affairs. He spoke during the burial of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo. He described the allegations as 'baseless propaganda' used by politicians to cover their own failures.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta spoke on Tuesday, December 30, during the burial of Cyrus Jirongo, the former Lugari MP, addressing allegations from a section of ODM leadership. He characterized the claims as baseless propaganda deployed by politicians to conceal their own shortcomings. "I am retired, but let me be clear, if you poke me in the eye, I will poke back," Uhuru 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."
He advised aggrieved leaders to cease scapegoating and instead concentrate on forging their own political identities. Critics, he added, should prioritize presenting clear, people-focused policies to voters rather than flitting between forums and trading blame, which contributes little to national progress.
His comments arrived amid rising tensions in ODM following the death of its longtime leader, Raila Odinga. Over the weekend, ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga accused the former president of employing intermediaries and insiders to erode party unity.
Kenyatta's allies, including digital strategist Pauline Njoroge, contend that he is being scapegoated to obscure internal frictions between ODM's veteran members and a younger group uncomfortable with the party's ties to the current government.
The gathering featured a reconciliatory note when ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna issued a public apology to Kenyatta on the party's behalf. Sifuna rebuked colleagues for ingratitude toward Kenyatta's backing of the late Raila Odinga in the 2022 general election. He stressed that the former president's political involvement stems from goodwill and a commitment to a robust democratic Kenya.
Kenyatta wrapped up by calling on Western region leaders to spearhead national dialogue. He encouraged them to emphasize internal discussions first, then extend outreach to peers from other areas to jointly outline the nation's path forward.