Former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s appearance at a Jubilee Party town hall meeting in Murang’a on Friday has drawn praise from ODM Communications Director Philip Etale.
The event, where Uhuru publicly endorsed Dr. Fred Matiang’i, was described by Etale as a “notable initiative” that sets a new tone in political campaigning.
Etale highlighted the significance of Uhuru’s engagement, noting that it differs sharply from his approach during the 2022 general election.
“This is very good. In fact, I applaud this initiative; that he is personally canvassing for his project,” he said.
According to Etale, Uhuru’s earlier reluctance to appear before voters in the region reflected the confidence and power he held as president at the time.
“He feared to face the people of the Mountain when he was the real His Excellency Mr. President,” Etale stated, adding that his remarks were purely factual and not intended as criticism.
For Jubilee, the former president’s endorsement could signal unity and active leadership within the party as it prepares for future contests.
Etale’s comments serve as a rare acknowledgment from an opposition official of a former president’s impactful political activity.
“I am not being querulous but just stating a notable fact,” he concluded, reinforcing the idea that Uhuru’s public involvement is a shift worth noting in Kenya’s evolving political landscape.