Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has finally broken his silence over allegations that he is using Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna to destabilize the party, firmly dismissing the claims as misleading and politically motivated.
For weeks, a section of ODM leaders has openly accused Uhuru of secretly sponsoring internal rebellion within the party.
Speaking recently in Suna East Constituency, ODM National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed alleged that the former president had promised more than one billion shillings to individuals tasked with persuading ODM to abandon the broad-based government and align itself with a new opposition formation.
The remarks intensified speculation about Uhuru’s role in ongoing tensions within the party.
However, Uhuru addressed the matter on Tuesday while attending the funeral of the late former Lugari Member of Parliament, Honorable Cyrus Jirongo.
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In his address to mourners, Uhuru focused largely on eulogizing Jirongo, describing him as a courageous leader who believed deeply in unity, dialogue, and principled politics.
He recalled their long-standing friendship and credited Jirongo for playing a key role in his early political journey, including helping him find his footing in KANU during the formative years of his career.
While reflecting on Jirongo’s legacy, Uhuru took time to respond to the accusations linking him to turmoil within ODM.
He stated that although he is retired from active politics, he would not allow himself to be turned into a “punching bag” for ongoing political disagreements.
Uhuru urged leaders spreading the allegations to focus on strengthening democratic institutions rather than engaging in blame games.
The former president further emphasized the importance of a strong, mature democracy anchored on independent political parties that can hold differing views without tearing the nation apart.
His remarks are likely to calm some tensions while also reigniting debate on his influence in Kenya’s evolving political landscape.
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