Nairobi, Kenya — Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has issued a stern warning to members of the Jubilee Party, urging them to stop insulting Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Speaking during a recent political meeting, Uhuru called for respect and restraint, emphasizing that Mount Kenya leaders must not allow political differences to divide the region further.
“Sitaki hiyo maneno ya matusi na kugombana kila siku. Tuheshimiane, tusiwe watu wa kupigana kwa maneno,” Uhuru said, loosely translated as “I don’t want this issue of insults and quarrels every day. Let’s respect one another.”
His remarks come amid growing political tension within the Mount Kenya region, where factions loyal to Gachagua and others aligned to opposition voices have been trading barbs over 2027 election strategies.
Uhuru Calls for Political Maturity
The former head of state, who led the Jubilee Party until 2022, reminded party members that leadership should be about service, not insults. He said it was time for leaders to focus on uniting citizens and addressing economic challenges affecting millions of Kenyans.
“Politics should not be a platform for hatred or insults. Leadership is about respect and development,” Uhuru said.
He cautioned younger politicians against being misused by powerful figures to attack others for short-term gain, saying politics of division had already cost Kenya enough.
Mount Kenya Unity at Stake
Uhuru’s remarks are seen as an attempt to calm political storms brewing within the Mount Kenya region. In recent months, verbal clashes between Jubilee leaders and those allied to the Deputy President have intensified, with social media becoming a battlefield of insults and counterattacks.
Analysts say Uhuru’s intervention reflects his concern over the growing disunity in the Mount Kenya bloc, which has long been a political powerhouse in Kenyan elections.
“Uhuru is positioning himself as a voice of reason, calling for calm and maturity,” said political analyst Prof. Peter Kagwanja. “He understands that without unity, Mount Kenya loses its bargaining power nationally.”
Tensions Between Uhuru and Gachagua
The relationship between Uhuru and Gachagua has been strained since the 2022 elections. Gachagua, once a close ally of Uhuru, became one of his fiercest critics after joining President William Ruto’s UDA camp.
However, Uhuru’s latest statement suggests he is ready to tone down hostilities and restore mutual respect, at least for the sake of regional stability.
“We can disagree politically, but we must not insult or demean each other. Kenya is bigger than politics,” Uhuru added.
Jubilee Members React
Reactions to Uhuru’s statement have been mixed within the Jubilee Party. Some members have welcomed his call for peace, while others see it as a strategic move to reclaim influence in the region.
Jeremiah Kioni, the Jubilee Party Secretary-General, praised Uhuru for showing leadership, saying the party must stand for civility and discipline.
“Our former President has spoken wisdom. Politics should not be about personal attacks but ideas,” Kioni said.
On the other hand, some youthful Jubilee members have accused Gachagua of disrespecting the former head of state and said the DP must also tone down his rhetoric.
A Call for Respect in Kenyan Politics
Uhuru’s statement adds to a growing national conversation about the need for decorum in politics. With the 2027 elections drawing closer, leaders across the political divide have been urged to focus on economic recovery, peace, and unity instead of insults.
The former President concluded by saying he wishes to see a Kenya where leaders respect each other despite political affiliations.
“We are one people. Leadership comes and goes, but our country remains. Let’s choose peace and respect.”
Conclusion
Uhuru Kenyatta’s call — “Sitaki hiyo maneno” — may seem simple, but it carries a powerful message. In a political climate often defined by insults and hostility, his words remind leaders that true power lies in respect, not rhetoric.
As Kenya edges closer to another election cycle, whether this message will unite or divide the Jubilee Party — and Mount Kenya at large — remains to be seen.
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