Uhuru fires back at ODM critics, urges leaders to build their own parties
By Mustafa Juma, December 30, 2025Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has issued a rare but stinging response to a section of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leaders who have accused him of meddling in the party’s internal affairs.
Speaking on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, during the burial ceremony of the late former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongi in Lumakanda, Kakamega County, Uhuru told those attacking him to stop scapegoating others for their political failures and instead face the electorate with clear ideas and firm leadership.
The fourth president dismissed claims that he is influencing ODM politics, saying such accusations are often used by politicians who have failed to gain acceptance where they seek relevance.
“Mtu akishindwa njia ya kujipendekeza kule anataka kujipendekeza, lazima atafute mtu aseme kuwa watu wanakataa kukusikiza kwa sababu ya yule na huyu,” Uhuru said.
The retired Head of State urged leaders agitating within ODM to abandon what he termed as ‘bad thoughts’ and instead engage directly with Kenyans, build their own political parties, articulate policies, and stand by them courageously.
“Toa hiyo fikira mbovu, enda zungumza na wananchi. Unda na usimamishe chama chako. Kuwa na sera zako kama mwanaume,” he stated.
Uhuru also took aim at leaders who, in his view, roam the political landscape making inflammatory remarks that add little value to national cohesion or democratic growth.
“Sio kuzunguka huku na kule ukitoa mambo ya upuzi ambayo haipeleki nchi mbali,” he said.
Uhuru calls for unity
Emphasising his vision for the country even after retirement, Uhuru reminded Kenyans of the need for unity, a vibrant democracy, and respect for the will of the people.
“We want a united country, we want a vibrant democracy, and we want the will of the people to prevail,” he added.
While reminding critics that he is now a retired leader, Uhuru made it clear that retirement should not be mistaken for weakness or silence in the face of disrespect.
“Sitaki kusema mengi kwa sababu mimi ni mstaafu, lakini kwa kusema mstaafu sisemi uniingize kidole kwa macho; mimi pia nitakuingiza. Tuheshimiane,” he warned.
Uhuru’s remarks come amid growing tensions within ODM, where some party bigwigs have publicly blamed him for alleged interference and internal disagreements.
Wanga attacks Uhuru
The ODM Party’s top leadership, led by its chairperson, Governor Wanga, and Minority Leader in the National Assembly, Junet Mohamed, has accused Uhuru of plotting to use insiders of the party to cause internal divisions in the Orange party.
On Sunday, December 28, 2025, while speaking in Homa Bay in the presence of President William Ruto, Wanga attacked Uhuru, accusing him of hiring wheeler-dealers within the party to cause chaos and confusion in the outfit that now enjoys a cordial working relationship with the UDA Party under a broad-based arrangement.
“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, as we will deal with it perpendicularly,” warned Wanga.
Sifuna apologises
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has, however, apologised to Uhuru over the attacks directed at him by a section of the Orange party bigwigs.
Speaking during the burial ceremony of the late Jirongo, that was attended by Uhuru, the Nairobi senator said some ODM leaders are being ungrateful for the role Uhuru played in 2022 when the then ODM leader, the late Raila Odinga, contested for the presidency.
“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.