Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has broken his silence, warning Jubilee Party members against insulting Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. He called for political maturity, unity, and respect among Mount Kenya leaders amid rising 2027 election tensions.
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“Sitaki Hiyo Maneno”: Uhuru Kenyatta Warns Jubilee Members Against Insulting Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua
Nairobi, Kenya — Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has once again emerged as a voice of restraint and unity, issuing a firm warning to Jubilee Party members to stop engaging in public spats and verbal attacks against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Speaking during a recent political event in Mount Kenya, the former Head of State said that continued insults, name-calling, and political hostility among leaders from the region were undermining development and destroying the legacy of peace and stability that Central Kenya has long been known for.
“Sitaki hiyo maneno ya matusi na kugombana kila siku,” Uhuru said, translating to, “I don’t want this issue of insults and quarrels every day.”
“Tuheshimiane. Tujenge nchi, si kuharibu jina la wenzetu kwa maneno ya hasira.” (Let’s respect each other and focus on building our nation, not tearing each other down through angry words.)
Uhuru’s Return to the Political Scene
Uhuru’s remarks come at a time when tensions between leaders in the Mount Kenya political bloc have reached new highs. The rivalry between factions loyal to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and those sympathetic to opposition politics has created sharp divisions, threatening the unity that once made the region a strong political force.
Since leaving office in 2022, Uhuru had largely stayed away from active politics. However, his recent statement signals a strategic re-entry into the political discourse, positioning himself as an elder statesman calling for respect and reconciliation.
Political observers say Uhuru’s move may be aimed at healing old political wounds and protecting his image as a unifier.
“Uhuru is stepping in to calm the waters in Mount Kenya. His message is not just for Jubilee members but for the entire region,” said Prof. Peter Kagwanja, a political analyst.
Why Uhuru’s Message Matters Now
The warning comes as internal wrangles within the Jubilee Party continue to spill into the public space. Some members have been openly criticizing Gachagua over his leadership style, his stand on regional issues, and his alleged attempts to control Mount Kenya’s political direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Uhuru reminded party members that insults and personal attacks only weaken the party’s credibility and alienate the electorate.
“Politics should be about ideas and service. When leaders fight in public, the people lose faith,” Uhuru said.
He emphasized that unity within Mount Kenya was key for the region’s bargaining power in national politics, warning that endless internal wars would only benefit outsiders.
Rising Political Tension in Mount Kenya
The Mount Kenya region has been witnessing growing political tension since the 2022 elections, with Gachagua emerging as the most vocal political figure defending President William Ruto’s administration.
Meanwhile, some leaders aligned with Uhuru’s Jubilee faction and the Azimio coalition have accused the Deputy President of being dictatorial and dismissive of dissenting voices.
This has fueled a wave of insults, online spats, and rallies filled with political jabs — creating deep divisions within the community.
Uhuru’s call for calm appears to be a direct response to this escalating hostility.
“He is reminding leaders that political differences should never turn into personal wars,” said political commentator Prof. Gitile Naituli.
A Message of Respect and Leadership
In his speech, Uhuru urged both young and senior politicians to embrace respect as a foundation of leadership. He reminded them that being in politics is a privilege and that leaders must focus on serving the people, not engaging in endless quarrels.
“Let’s show maturity. Kenya needs leaders who respect one another and prioritize peace over politics,” he said.
Uhuru also appeared to hint that politics in the Mount Kenya region had lost direction due to ego battles and competition for dominance, rather than focusing on real issues such as the cost of living, unemployment, and education.
Mixed Reactions from Political Leaders
The former president’s statement has sparked mixed reactions. Some leaders within the Jubilee Party welcomed the remarks, praising Uhuru for taking a moral stand.
Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni said Uhuru’s message was a timely reminder for all leaders to conduct themselves with dignity.
“The former president is right. We must not let politics divide our people. Jubilee stands for unity and peace,” Kioni said.
However, some youth leaders allied with Gachagua downplayed Uhuru’s statement, accusing him of hypocrisy. They argued that he remained silent when similar insults were directed at other leaders during his time in power.
“Uhuru should also remind his team to respect the Deputy President and the government. Respect goes both ways,” said Nyeri MP Duncan Mathenge, a close ally of Gachagua.
A Region Searching for Balance
The Mount Kenya political landscape remains one of Kenya’s most influential voting blocs. However, analysts warn that growing disunity could weaken the region’s influence ahead of the 2027 elections.
Uhuru’s latest statement, therefore, may be an attempt to restore some form of political harmony and ensure that leaders focus on issues that matter most to the people — development, jobs, and economic stability.
“The region risks losing its national bargaining power if these divisions persist,” noted political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi.
Uhuru’s Legacy as a Peacemaker
Since leaving office, Uhuru Kenyatta has increasingly portrayed himself as a champion of peace and diplomacy. His efforts in the African Union peace initiatives and now his calls for political tolerance at home reflect his transition from active politician to elder statesman.
His recent message may be viewed as an effort to defend his legacy — one built on stability and reconciliation, despite past political challenges.
“History will remember those who built bridges, not those who burned them,” Uhuru remarked.
Conclusion: Respect Is the New Politics
Uhuru Kenyatta’s warning — “Sitaki hiyo maneno” — goes beyond a simple plea for calm. It’s a reflection of the growing need for decency and civility in Kenya’s political culture.
In a time when leaders are quick to trade insults on rallies and social media, Uhuru’s words remind both the ruling and opposition camps that leadership without respect breeds chaos.
Whether his message will influence Mount Kenya’s fiery political scene remains to be seen. But one thing is clear — Uhuru is back in the conversation, not as a rival, but as a voice of reason in a nation that desperately needs it.
