Tit-for tat: Uhuru warns those dragging his name in political squabbles
Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has warned political leaders who continue to drag his name into political fights, saying he will not stay silent if provoked.
Uhuru made these remarks during the burial ceremony of the late former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo in Lumakanda, Kakamega County, on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. While noting that he is now a retired president, Uhuru made it clear that retirement does not mean weakness or fear.
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He explained that if anyone chooses to attack him or involve him in political battles, he will respond in equal measure. Uhuru stressed that respect must go both ways and warned leaders against taking advantage of his silence simply because he is no longer in office.
The former president called for mutual respect among leaders, saying that this is the only way the country can move forward. He pointed to the late Cyrus Jirongo as a leader who respected everyone, regardless of political differences, and urged leaders to follow that example.
“Mimi sitaki kusema mingi maana mimi ni raisi mustaafu, lakini mustaafu haimaniishi uniingize vidole, mimi pia nitakuingiza vidole, hatuogopi. Tuheshimiane. Cyrus aliheshimu wote, tuheshimiane, hiyo ndo njia ya kujenga nchi,” Uhuru stated.
Loosely translated as;
“I don’t want to say much because I am a retired president, but being retired does not mean you can poke me; I can also poke back, we are not afraid. Let us respect each other. Cyrus respected everyone; let us respect each other, that is the way to build the nation.”
Uhuru’s remarks appeared to be a direct response to rising political tensions and repeated references to his name by leaders seeking political mileage. He urged politicians to focus on building the nation instead of engaging in endless personal attacks.
