Former President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday dismissed claims that he is attempting to divide the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
He said he respects the party and its members and has no interest in interfering with its internal affairs.
Speaking during the burial of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo in Lumakanda, Kakamega County, Uhuru told the gathering that those levelling accusations against him were mistaken.
Uhuru 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 also vowed 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 urged Kenya’s political leaders to uphold tolerance, unity, and genuine multiparty democracy as the foundation for national progress.
Kenyatta called on leaders to compete on ideas rather than division. “If we say we are in a multiparty system, we must live by it. Let people compete on ideals and ideas, not by destroying what others have built,” he added.
The former Head of State described Jirongo’s death as a loss to both the region and the nation, praising his belief in dialogue and cooperation across party lines.
The ceremony was attended by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, governors, and members of parliament among other leaders.
He eulogized the late politician as a courageous, generous, and unifying leader.
“Jirongo respected multiparty democracy and believed in working with people from different political backgrounds. If we truly want to honor him, we must also respect that democratic space,” he said.
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.”
The retired president, at the same time, urged leaders, particularly from the western region, to engage in constructive dialogue without undermining democracy, emphasising on national unity and the importance of respecting the will of the people.
Jirongo was remembered as an astute businessman and a steadfast advocate for peace, unity, and democratic ideals.
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