Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has strongly dismissed accusations that he is interfering with affairs of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), saying his political engagements are guided by a desire for national stability and unity, not party disruption.
Uhuru spoke on Tuesday, December 30, while addressing mourners during the burial of former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Jirongo. He said claims linking him to divisions within ODM were misleading and meant to divert attention from internal leadership shortcomings.
According to the retired head of state, some politicians have resorted to blaming him instead of taking responsibility for their own political challenges.
“I am retired, but do not mistake that for weakness or silence,” Uhuru said. “If you provoke me, I will respond. Let us respect one another and the multiparty democracy that was achieved through sacrifice.”
He urged leaders who feel sidelined or threatened to stop looking for scapegoats and instead invest in building strong, issue-based political platforms that resonate with the public.
Uhuru criticised what he described as endless political quarrels that offer little value to ordinary Kenyans, calling on leaders to focus on ideas that address citizens’ real needs rather than public exchanges of blame.
His remarks come at a time of heightened tension within ODM following the death of the party’s longtime leader, Raila Odinga, a development that has triggered fresh power struggles and uncertainty about the party’s future direction.
In recent days, ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga accused Kenyatta of working through proxies and insiders to weaken unity within the party, allegations that sparked sharp reactions from the former president’s allies.
Those close to Kenyatta, including digital strategist Pauline Njoroge, have defended him, arguing that he is being unfairly targeted to conceal deep-rooted rifts between ODM’s veteran leadership and a younger faction uncomfortable with the party’s alignment with the current administration.
Amid the escalating exchanges, a rare conciliatory moment emerged when ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna issued a public apology to Kenyatta on behalf of the party.
Sifuna faulted some party members for what he termed political ingratitude, noting that Kenyatta played a significant role in backing Raila Odinga during the 2022 General Election.
He said the former president’s continued engagement in national affairs was driven by goodwill and a commitment to democratic values, not personal ambition.
Uhuru ended his address by calling on leaders from Western Kenya to take the lead in promoting dialogue and consensus-building, urging them to engage among themselves first before seeking broader national cooperation.