"Tuheshimiane Lakini" - Uhuru Kenyatta Warns, Says He Doesn’t Fear Anyone

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent a sharp message to critics within Kenya’s political landscape, urging them to focus on building their own parties rather than blaming others for their failures.

Speaking during the burial of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo in Lumakanda, Kakamega County, Uhuru told leaders to engage directly with Kenyans and prioritize constructive political action.

The fourth president addressed allegations that he has been meddling in the internal affairs of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), dismissing claims as baseless attempts by struggling politicians to remain relevant.

“Mtu akishindwa njia ya kujipendekeza kule anataka kujipendekeza, lazima atafute mtu aseme kuwa watu wanakataa kukusikiza kwa sababu ya yule na huyu,” Uhuru said, noting that finger-pointing often comes from leaders unable to convince voters on their own merits.

He urged party leaders to abandon negative politics and instead articulate their policies clearly.

“Toa hiyo fikira mbovu, enda zungumza na wananchi. Unda na usimamishe chama chako. Kuwa na sera zako kama mwanaume,” he stated.

Uhuru also criticized political leaders who make inflammatory remarks without contributing to national progress.

“Sio kuzunguka huku na kule ukitoa mambo ya upuzi ambayo haipeleki nchi mbali,” he said, urging politicians to focus on actions that strengthen democracy and national cohesion.

Despite being retired, Uhuru underscored that he would not tolerate disrespect or intimidation.

“Sitaki kusema mengi kwa sababu mimi ni mstaafu, lakini kwa kusema mstaafu sisemi uniingize kidole kwa macho; mimi pia nitakuingiza. Tuheshimiane,” he warned.

The former president’s remarks come amid tensions in ODM, where some leaders have accused him of interfering in party matters.

ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga and Minority Leader Junet Mohamed previously claimed that Uhuru had recruited party insiders to cause disruption.

Wanga, speaking in Homa Bay in the presence of President William Ruto, rejected the allegations and warned that any attempts to manipulate the party would be firmly resisted.

“We have respect for President Uhuru Kenyatta. However, if you want to destroy the ODM Party by sending wheeler-dealers to us, then we reject your plans. We will not take that matter lightly,” she said.

In a conciliatory gesture, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna apologized to Uhuru for the remarks made by a section of the party leadership.

Sifuna acknowledged Uhuru’s support for the late Raila Odinga during the 2022 presidential elections and expressed regret that some leaders had forgotten his contributions.

“Mheshimiwa Uhuru Kenyatta, leo ni tarehe thelathini mwezi wa kumi na mbili mwaka wa 2025, kwa sababu mimi bado ndo katibu mkuu wa chama, mimi bado ndo msemaji wa ODM. Nataka kwa niaba ya chama cha ODM nikuombe msamaha kwa matusi ambayo unaelekezewa na baadhi ya viongozi wa ODM, ambao wamesahau kazi ambayo ulifanya ya kumsaidia Baba (Raila Odinga) awe rais,” Sifuna said.

Through his remarks, Uhuru Kenyatta reinforced his belief in strong democratic institutions, unity, and respect for the will of the people.

He urged political leaders to concentrate on offering solutions, forming credible parties, and engaging Kenyans directly, rather than resorting to blame games.