Africa-Press – Kenya. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday told off critics from other political parties who have been coming at him.
Speaking during the funeral of businessman and former Member of Parliament Cyrus Jirongo, Uhuru called for respect, unity, and issue-based politics.
The former President warned political actors against blame-shifting and divisive rhetoric, urging them instead to engage directly with the electorate and articulate clear policy agendas.
“When someone fails to win acceptance where they should, they start looking for someone to blame, claiming that people are refusing to listen because of this person or that one. Get rid of that mindset and go speak directly to the people. Form and build your own party, have your own policies like Cyrus Jirongo did, instead of going around making foolish statements that do not take the country anywhere.
“We want a united country, a vibrant democracy, and we want the will of the people to be that that shall prevail,” Uhuru said.
The former Head of State was speaking against the backdrop of recent political tensions, with some leaders accusing him of meddling in party affairs and influencing political realignments behind the scenes.
A section of senior leaders from the ODM party had accused him of ‘creating division’ within the party. They include ODM chairperson, Governor Gladys Wanga, and Minority Leader in the National Assembly, Junet Mohamed.
“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 said on Sunday.
Uhuru did not mention names but made it clear he would not remain silent when provoked, just because he is retired.
He pushed back against the notion that retirement from active politics meant he could be openly attacked without response.
“Sitaki kusema mengi mnajua mimi ni mstaafu lakini kusema mimi ni mstaafu si kusema uniingize kidole kwa macho, mimi pia ntakuingiza. Hatuogopi. Tuheshimiane. Hio ndio njia ya kujenga nchi,” he said.
This loosely translates to, “I don’t want to say much—you know I am retired—but being retired does not mean you can poke me in the eyes. If you do, I will respond in kind. We are not afraid. Let us respect one another. That is the way to build the country.”
The remarks were delivered at a solemn ceremony celebrating the life of Jirongo, a veteran politician known for his independent streak and influence in national politics.
Uhuru cited Jirongo as an example of a leader who chose to chart his own political path rather than blame others for setbacks.
The former President reiterated his vision for Kenya, emphasizing unity, democratic competition, and respect among leaders as essential pillars for national progress, even as political temperatures continue to rise.
