Africa-Press – Kenya. Digital strategist Pauline Njoroge has defended former President Uhuru Kenyatta against criticism over his influence in opposition politics, saying that internal divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) are being unfairly blamed on him.
In a statement on Monday, Njoroge said Uhuru’s popularity, even in traditional ODM strongholds, is making some party leaders uncomfortable.
She cited the widespread attention the former president received during the funeral of veteran politician Raila Odinga, popularly known as Baba, as a factor fueling speculation.
“It’s obvious that Uhuru Kenyatta’s popularity, even in ODM zones and the reception he got during Baba’s funeral, is really bothering some people. Instead of dealing with their own internal disagreements, they have decided to make him the scapegoat,” Njoroge said.
She argued that the real challenge within ODM stems from differing views among its leaders.
According to Njoroge, some senior party members are content participating in the broad-based government, while younger members are less supportive of the current administration and are advocating for a distinct political direction.
“The truth is ODM is divided from within. Some leaders are comfortable enjoying the benefits of the broad-based government and selling the party to that front, while others, especially the younger generation, are clearly not pro-government and want to take a different path. That disconnect is the real problem, not outsiders,” Njoroge explained.
The strategist further dismissed claims that Uhuru has any personal interest in influencing ODM ahead of the 2027 general election.
She stressed that the former president is not a presidential candidate and therefore has no incentive to foment division within the opposition party.
“When people refuse to face the hard reality, they look for a bogeyman to blame. Uhuru Kenyatta is not a candidate in 2027 and has nothing to gain from dividing ODM. What he is is a widely respected and much-loved statesman,” Njoroge said.
She also called on the public and party members to ignore what she described as baseless propaganda and divisive narratives.
“Watu waache propaganda na fitina yenye haileweki,” she added, urging Kenyans to focus on the party’s internal processes rather than external influence.
Njoroge’s remarks come after top ODM leaders, including chairperson, Governor Wanga, and Minority Leader in the National Assembly, Junet Mohamed, accused Uhuru of plotting to use insiders of the party to cause internal divisions.
Wanga insisted that while she respects Uhuru, he must also keep off the affairs of the party.
She spoke in the presence of President William Ruto in Homa Bay County on Sunday.
“We have respect for President Uhuru Kenyatta. However, if you want to destroy the ODM Party by sending wheeler-dealers to us, then we reject your plans. We will not take that matter lightly, as we will deal with it perpendicularly,” Wanga warned.
