MURANG’A, Kenya – Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has warned Jubilee Party officials against using abusive language toward former Deputy President and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, saying such conduct has no place in his party.
Speaking in Murang’a during a meeting of Jubilee grassroots leaders on Friday, Uhuru said he was disappointed by officials who resort to insults on social media in the name of defending the party.
“At times, I’m saddened to see people on social media who pretend to defend the party by insulting Rigathi Gachagua and others. I don’t want that nonsense in my party,” Uhuru said in Kikuyu. “People should do their politics respectfully. It’s sad that most of them are party officials — and before I hand over this party, if they continue, I will not hesitate to send them packing.”
Uhuru, who chaired the session attended by party officials from the national to grassroots levels, urged them to focus on rebuilding Jubilee’s presence across the country instead of engaging in divisive online spats.
Addressing Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni directly, the former Head of State said Jubilee must concentrate on promoting its manifesto and attracting new members rather than attacking rival politicians.
“Let us sell our ideas and mission instead of wasting time abusing others on social media,” he said.
This was Uhuru’s first meeting with grassroots officials since Jubilee held its National Delegates Conference (NDC) last month.
During the event, he also threw his weight behind party deputy leader Fred Matiang’i’s presidential ambitions, describing the former Interior Cabinet Secretary as an able and results-oriented leader.
“I have no personal interest in supporting Matiang’i, but I know his capability and track record from our time in government,” Uhuru said.
The former president has in recent months stepped up efforts to reorganize the Jubilee Party, which has been struggling to assert itself in Kenya’s shifting political landscape since the 2022 elections.
