Siaya Governor James Orengo has challenged former President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing individuals linked to him of causing internal problems within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Speaking in Kirinyaga during the burial of former senator Daniel Karaba on April 1, Orengo said he was speaking “the truth” and insisted that political leaders must be willing to listen, even when the message is uncomfortable.
Orengo argued that Kenya’s current political challenges could have been avoided had voters listened to Uhuru Kenyatta during the 2022 General Election, when the former president openly urged them to support Raila Odinga for president.
The governor remarked that the outcome could have felt like a “buy one, get one free” situation, with Raila Odinga as president and Martha Karua as deputy president, had Uhuru’s advice been followed.
Orengo Pushes Uhuru to Act on ODM Internal Divisions
Orengo directed his criticism at the former president, claiming that some individuals he described as Uhuru’s allies were now operating within ODM and fuelling divisions.
He claimed these individuals were spreading claims that Uhuru was secretly funding ODM, a narrative he warned was damaging the former president’s reputation.
“I want to criticize the former president. The people troubling us in ODM were his people,” Orengo said. He added, “Today, they are saying Uhuru has given us money. Please smoke them out, because they are spoiling your name.”
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Orengo urged Uhuru to distance himself from such individuals and take clear steps to address what he described as selfish political infiltration within the party.
He also reminded ODM supporters that party leader Raila Odinga had already cautioned members against discussing the idea of “two terms,” calling instead for unity, discipline, and focus within the party.
Uhuru Kenyatta Urges Kenyans to Choose Honest Leadership Over Political Rhetoric
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who also spoke during the burial, urged Kenyans to distinguish between leadership and politics, saying the country can only move forward if people listen to leaders who speak honestly.
“It is better to listen to leaders, not politicians, because while politicians may speak sweetly, a true leader tells the truth, whether it is good or bad,” Uhuru Kenyatta said.
He praised the late Senator Karaba for standing with him even as political pressure shifted, noting that Karaba remained firm and truthful to his people despite the shifting winds.
Uhuru said Kenya needs leaders who tell the truth regardless of whether it is popular, adding that honesty is essential to building the country.
The former president also cautioned religious leaders against influencing political direction, saying their role should remain focused on guiding people spiritually rather than shaping political outcomes.
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Rigathi Gachagua Pushes Back Against Claims of Political Fallout With Uhuru
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also addressed the mourners, reflecting on his long political association with Uhuru Kenyatta and dismissing claims that the two could not work together.
“They say Uhuru and I cannot work together. How do they know? I worked as Uhuru Kenyatta’s personal assistant. I have worked with him for 20 years,” he said.
Gachagua said he had worked closely with Uhuru for over two decades and dismissed suggestions of political incompatibility between them.
He added that Kenya was heading towards a political moment similar to the 2002 General Election, when the then-ruling party lost power, noting that elections should always be seen as part of the country’s long-term democratic journey.
