Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has issued a stern warning to Jubilee Party leaders against insulting or undermining Mt. Kenya politicians, singling out Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as a figure deserving respect.
Speaking at a Jubilee grassroots leaders meeting in Murang’a on Friday, Uhuru said party officials who fail to show decorum risk expulsion.
“Sometimes I am saddened to see people on social media pretending to defend the party by insulting Rigathi Gachagua and others. I do not want that nonsense in my party. Politics must be done respectfully,” Uhuru said.
“Before I hand over this party, if such behaviour continues, I will not hesitate to call them out and send them packing. I do not want to hear that ever again.”
Gachagua, a former Deputy President who was impeached over his alignment with ‘murima-only’ politics, has emerged as a formidable political force in the Mt. Kenya region. His DCP Party has been expanding its influence across the country’s largest political bloc.
He coined the slogan ‘wantam’ to rally support for limiting President William Ruto to one term. Despite past criticism of Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, Gachagua has publicly sought forgiveness for earlier insults and has now aligned with Uhuru Kenyatta.
During the Murang’a meeting, Uhuru also reaffirmed Jubilee’s status as a national party, insisting it is not limited to the Mt. Kenya region.
“Jubilee has been founded on a national outlook. We have always had the interests of the entire nation at our hearts,” he said, reflecting on his 2013–2022 tenure and development projects aimed at benefiting all Kenyans.
Uhuru emphasised national unity, recalling his partnership with Raila Odinga to reduce divisive politics. “All that vile will not take us anywhere,” he said, urging the party to mentor youth into leadership positions.
Party officials were reminded to consult grassroots leaders before making decisions. Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni and Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i attended the meeting, which also aims to consolidate support for Jubilee candidates while balancing national ambitions with the Mt. Kenya political base.
The meeting follows a turbulent year in Jubilee, when Uhuru reclaimed party control after a near takeover by EALA MP Kanini Kega and nominated MP Sabina Chege. The court eventually restored Uhuru’s authority, underscoring his continuing influence over party direction.
