Uhuru Strikes Back: Rejects ODM Sabotage Accusations at Jirongo’s Funeral
Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta defended himself against claims of fueling divisions in ODM during Cyrus Jirongo’s burial in Lumakanda, Kakamega County.
His remarks distancing from allegations by ODM leaders like Gladys Wanga and Junet Mohamed, who accused him of using proxies to destabilize the party.
The former president called on politicians to stop trading accusations and maintain clarity and courage in their leadership.
“In my view, someone who is confused, who keeps trying to please one side and then another, must stop making excuses. That kind of talk is meaningless to the ordinary citizen. 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,” Uhuru said.
He praised Jirongo as a multi-party democracy champion while urging respect for rival parties.
ODM’s Internal Accusations
ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga stated, “We want to tell President Uhuru Kenyatta that we are friends, but we will not accept you using moles to destabilise the ODM party”.
Minority Whip Junet Mohamed claimed some ODM members were “on the payroll” of Kenyatta and warned of expelling rebels in January .
These tensions reflect ODM’s struggles over its broad-based government role .
Uhuru’s Firm Defense
Kenyatta rejected the sabotage narrative, emphasizing, “If there was a person who truly respected and upheld multi-party democracy, then it was Cyrus Jirongo” .
“But 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,” he 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. He respected the political order that was created in this country through great struggle that multiparty space.”
A seemingly agitated Uhuru went gloves off at his accusers, vowing not to take the attacks sitting down but showing readiness to face them head-on.
“I am retired but let me be clear: if you poke me in the eye, I will poke back. We are not afraid. No. Let us respect one another. Cyrus respected everyone. I respect him and I respect his party, and others should do the same,” he stated.
He jabbed at President William Ruto’s administration to focus on development rather than weakening opponents through political maneuvers .
Kenyatta called for issue-based politics and mutual respect among parties .
“I also agree with those who say that as leaders from the western region, take the initiative. Sit down, talk, and engage, because you are Kenyans just like everyone else. Once you have discussed among yourselves, you can engage with others from different regions and decide which direction you want our country to take,” he said.
The exchange occurred amid Jirongo’s funeral, where leaders eulogized his legacy while airing opposition grievances .
ODM faces its most serious internal challenges in two decades, split over government cooperation.
Digital strategist Pauline Njoroge dismissed the claims, saying internal disagreements within ODM are being unfairly blamed on the former president.
“It’s obvious that Uhuru Kenyatta’s popularity, even in ODM zones, is really bothering some people. Instead of dealing with their own internal disagreements, they have decided to make him the scapegoat. Uhuru is not a 2027 presidential candidate and therefore has no incentive to foment division,” Njoroge said.
Kenyatta’s response underscores ongoing Azimio tensions and calls for democratic competition.
ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, who was also in the event, defended Uhuru and issued an apology on behalf of the Orange party.
“On behalf of the party, I want to apologise to you, Uhuru, for the insults directed at you by some leaders of ODM who sought to advance their own agendas or to help their ‘father’ become president. Those of us who were there know the truth: you worked diligently, you were committed to helping him (Raila),” he said.
“You dedicated your resources and efforts. Today, some want to undermine the very work that was done. On behalf of the entire ODM party, because the party represents both its smart members and fools, I want to apologise for those insults that were directed unfairly.”