Jubilee Party Deputy Organising Secretary Pauline Njoroge has come out strongly in defence of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, dismissing claims that he is behind growing divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

In a statement shared on X on Monday, December 29, 2025, Njoroge said the blame being directed at Uhuru is misplaced, arguing that the real challenges facing ODM stem from unresolved internal differences among its leaders. Her remarks come amid heightened political tension as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“It’s obvious that Uhuru Kenyatta’s popularity, even in ODM zones and the reception he got during Baba’s funeral, is really bothering some people. Instead of dealing with their own internal disagreements, they have decided to make him the scapegoat,” she wrote

Njoroge said the reaction to Uhuru’s presence and public reception has exposed deeper cracks within ODM, particularly over its relationship with the current administration. She pointed to a clear divide between leaders who support cooperation with the broad-based government and those who oppose it, saying this split has created confusion and frustration within the party.

“The truth is, ODM is divided from within. Some leaders are comfortable enjoying the benefits of the broad-based government and selling the party to that front, while others, especially the younger generation, are clearly not pro-government and want to take a different path. That disconnect is the real problem, not outsiders,” she wrote

She cautioned ODM leaders against deflecting responsibility by dragging Uhuru’s name into their disputes, insisting that the former president has no political incentive to interfere with the party’s internal affairs.

According to Njoroge, failure to confront internal disagreements honestly has made it easier for leaders to create external enemies rather than address the real issues.

“When people refuse to face the hard reality, they look for a bogeyman to blame. Uhuru Kenyatta is not a candidate in 2027 and has nothing to gain from dividing ODM. What he is is a widely respected and much-loved statesman. Watu waache propaganda na fitina yenye haileweki,” she wrote