Uhuru: I have been listening to the ground

By Wanderi Kamau

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged the Mt Kenya region to beware of “sweet words” from politicians, warning that it may regret such choices in the future.

Uhuru, who was addressing mourners during the burial of former Kirinyaga Senator Daniel Karaba at Njeges Primary School in Kirinyaga Central Constituency, said that despite retiring from active politics, he has been “listening to the ground.”

The phrase is closely associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).

“I retired, but I have been listening to the ground. The ground is telling the people of Mt Kenya to remain united,” said Uhuru, drawing wild cheers from mourners.

He urged the region to maintain its current political stance (it has drifted away from its earlier support for President William Ruto).

Gachagua admits regret over 2022 ‘mistake’

At the same time, Uhuru congratulated the youth for remaining defiant in their pursuit of justice.

“I can see that the younger generation has remained defiant. Do not sell your identity cards or allow yourselves to be blinded by money,” he said.

Speaking at the same event, Gachagua revealed that Uhuru had warned him against supporting Ruto’s presidential bid in 2022—a decision he now regrets.

However, he noted that he is only human, adding that Ruto managed to convince even religious leaders.

“You warned us about supporting Ruto. We truly regret it—but who am I, if he managed to persuade even bishops and pastors?” posed Gachagua.

The DCP leader further claimed that one of the reasons he fell out with the President was an alleged attempt to divide the Mt Kenya region between the East and the West, vowing to resist such efforts.

“If we allow him (Ruto) to divide us, we are finished as a region. We must remain united,” said Gachagua.