The Fourth President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta has stated that he returned to his village in Ichaweri and is now listening to the ground just like other Kenyans.

He made the remarks while speaking during the funeral of former Kirinyaga Senator Daniel Karaba on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

“I have not much to say. I was coming from that side of our village in Ichaweri to come here and say goodbye to my friend. I was not brought here by many things, it’s just Karaba. I do not want to speak much because I might be told I am the one who brought all these people here,” Uhuru said.

He noted the presence of other leaders, some of whom he had not expected to see.

“I do not know where Orengo came from. Even Kalonzo was only seeing him on TV in Ukambani and other places. Even that brother of mine, Wamunyoro, I thought he would be doing his politics somewhere else. I thought I would only be with my sister Martha here. But we are here.”

Uhuru called on Kenyans to listen to leaders rather than politicians.

“It is good for people to listen to leaders, not politicians, because these politicians have very sweet tongues. But I had told you, no worries,” he added.

“Even that last-born daughter of yours, whom you hope to marry off to a well-educated man, you may end up giving her away because of a sweet tongue,”

He praised Karaba for standing firm on his decisions, even when politics moved in different directions.

“Karaba stood with me, even though the waves of politics were moving another side, led by Riggy G and others. And they didn’t know it was just a wave. Karaba decided to stand with his own decision. And he said, if you don’t like me, I won’t mind. He told his people what the outcomes of the bad side would be, and is it now happening or not? So politicians, be careful of them and choose leaders,” he stated.

Uhuru emphasised the importance of honest leadership.

“The best way to build a country is leaders telling you the truth and people being together. Our country needs leaders of integrity, who are there to serve their people. Because serving your people, by extension, you are serving your God. They don’t want leaders who are serving themselves,” he added.

Uhuru highlighted his new shift.

“I heard Karanja Kibicho saying he went back to the village, and he nowadays listens to the ground. Even me, I went back to our home in Ichaweri; I also listen to the ground. And from the ground, what I hear them say, they want people to be united,” he said.

“So because I normally speak and find my names in the newspapers with people insulting me, and I do not have someone to fight for me, I just say to the people of Kirinyaga: work hard, unite, and hold onto what I hear from the ground, because I’m just hearing, I didn’t say it myself. You also know I’m not looking for any seat. Anyone you elect, I will still be there at Ichaweri. I have no issue. If you mess, you are on your own.”

The fourth president warned against political manipulation during elections.

“People of this generation, I can see you are holding onto it. Keep it up. Not saying, let’s go this side, this other side, take this 10 bob, take this 100 bob, bring your ID, bring this,” Uhuru said.

“If you eat that 100, do you think you will see that person again? Look for leaders. Eat, I haven’t told you not to eat, but when someone tells you to bring the ID, tell him bring the money I will take, but I will know where to take my vote. Be careful not to sell your votes.”

He reflected on unity and his past work with other leaders.

“You know, Kenya, we must unite. That is what Raila and I wanted. We did not have many other ambitions. Our biggest job, what we really desired, was for this country to be united, to be together,” he added.

The funeral also saw former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua raise concerns over current government policies, including the management of SHA. Gachagua criticised the dismantling of previous initiatives and called for transparency.

Gachagua also stressed unity in the United Opposition, urging leaders to consolidate behind a single candidate for the next elections.

The interaction between Uhuru Kenyatta and Gachagua, who has previously supported President William Ruto, marked a rare public moment that suggested a possible reconciliation between the two leaders.