Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has strongly dismissed claims that he is attempting to divide the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), saying he respects the party and has no interest in interfering with its internal affairs.
Speaking on Tuesday during the burial of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo in Lumakanda, Kakamega County, Uhuru said those accusing him of meddling in ODM politics were misguided and engaging in baseless attacks.
“I respect Cyrus, I respect his party, and I respect other parties as well. Those claiming I am trying to divide ODM are mistaken,” Uhuru told mourners, calling on political leaders to exercise clarity, courage, and consistency in their leadership.
The former president urged politicians to stop trading accusations and instead focus on building strong parties and offering clear direction to the public.
“In my view, someone who is confused — trying to please one side today and another tomorrow — must stop making excuses. That kind of talk is meaningless to the ordinary citizen,” Uhuru said.
“Build your party, stand by it, and have a clear position with courage and conviction. Endless back-and-forth talk, moving from place to place and trading accusations, does not take the country anywhere.”
A visibly firm Uhuru warned that while he is retired from elective politics, he would not remain silent in the face of what he termed as disrespectful attacks.
“I am retired, but let me be clear: if you poke me in the eye, I will poke back. We are not afraid. Let us respect one another,” he said.
“Cyrus respected everyone. I respected him, and I respect his party. Others should do the same.”
Uhuru paid glowing tribute to the late Cyrus Jirongo, describing him as a key pillar and custodian of Kenya’s multiparty democracy movement.
“Our unity was never broken. Those standing here today acknowledge that if there was anyone who served as a custodian and pillar of the multiparty democracy movement, it was Cyrus Jirongo,” Uhuru said.
“He understood the meaning of democracy, the importance of respecting political parties, and the value of working with people from other parties without destroying their parties.”
ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, who was also present at the burial, came to Uhuru’s defence and issued a rare public apology on behalf of the party.
“On behalf of ODM, I want to apologise to you, Uhuru, for the insults directed at you by some leaders who were advancing their own agendas or trying to help their ‘father’ become president,” Sifuna said.
“Those of us who were there know the truth — you worked diligently and committed your resources to help Raila Odinga. Today, some want to undermine that work.”
Sifuna added pointedly, “Because the party represents both its smart members and fools, I apologise for the unfair insults that were directed at you.”
At the same time, Uhuru urged leaders — particularly from Western Kenya — to engage in constructive dialogue without undermining democratic processes, stressing the importance of unity and respecting the will of the people.
“As leaders from the western region, take the initiative. Sit down, talk, and engage. Once you have discussed among yourselves, you can engage with others and decide which direction you want our country to take,” he said.
Uhuru’s remarks come amid growing tensions within ODM, with some party leaders allied to President William Ruto, including Junet Mohamed and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, accusing him of meddling in the party’s affairs ahead of the 2027 General Election.
However, digital strategist Pauline Njoroge dismissed the allegations, saying ODM’s internal disagreements are being unfairly blamed on the former president.
“It’s obvious that Uhuru Kenyatta’s popularity, even in ODM zones, is bothering some people,” Njoroge said.
“Instead of addressing their internal divisions, they have decided to make him a scapegoat. Uhuru is not a 2027 presidential candidate and has no incentive to foment division.”
