By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, 31 December 2025 - Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has pushed back against accusations from sections of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), warning that stepping away from office does not mean he will remain silent when provoked.
Speaking on Tuesday at the burial of former Lugari MP and Cabinet minister Cyrus Jirongo in Lumakanda, Kakamega County, Kenyatta dismissed claims that he is secretly interfering in ODM’s internal affairs. Instead, he urged political leaders to focus on ideas, party organisation and national unity rather than trading accusations.
His remarks followed sharp criticism from senior ODM figures, including party chairperson Gladys Wanga and Minority Whip Junet Mohamed, who accused the former president of using proxies to stir divisions within the party. Wanga, speaking in Homa Bay over the weekend, warned that ODM would not tolerate any attempts to destabilise it.
Without naming individuals directly, Kenyatta said leaders should stop blaming outsiders for their political challenges and instead take responsibility for engaging citizens meaningfully.
“When people fail to position themselves properly, they begin looking for someone to accuse,” he said. “That negative thinking takes us nowhere. Go to the people, build your party, offer policies and leadership. That is what responsible politics looks like.”
Kenyatta stressed that while he respects all political parties, including ODM, respect must be mutual and grounded in practice, not just rhetoric. He cautioned against what he termed “cheap politics” and warned that provocation would not go unanswered, even in retirement.
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“I am retired, yes, but that does not mean I can be provoked and keep quiet,” he said. “We must respect one another if we want a united country and a strong democracy.”
The former Head of State used the occasion to pay glowing tribute to Jirongo, describing him as courageous, generous and deeply committed to multiparty democracy. He recalled how Jirongo introduced him to KANU politics and taught him the importance of respecting political competition.
“Cyrus understood democracy,” Kenyatta said.
“He worked with people from different parties without trying to weaken or destroy them.”
Kenyatta also issued a broader call to Kenya’s political class to protect democratic space and focus on issue-based politics, arguing that undermining rival parties for short-term gain ultimately weakens the nation.
Jirongo, he added, embodied the kind of inclusive leadership Kenya needs—one rooted in courage, respect and service beyond party lines.
