Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has stepped back into Kenya’s political conversation by warning leaders against allowing emotions such as anger, bitterness, or frustration to guide their decisions after losing elections.
He spoke during a Jubilee Party forum, where he reflected on his own experiences in politics, pointing out that he has seen both victory and defeat but always sought to remain focused on his vision rather than being distracted by personal grievances.
He emphasized that politics should be about service and long-term goals, not short-term reactions to disappointment.
Kenyatta reminded his audience that he has faced electoral losses just like other politicians, but instead of responding with hostility, he chose to learn from the setbacks and continue pursuing his mission.
According to him, leaders risk abandoning their responsibilities to citizens when they let personal feelings define their decisions. He stressed that maturity in politics comes from understanding that defeat is part of the game and that what matters most is how one responds to it.
Many observers believe his message was indirectly directed at ODM leader Raila Odinga, who has recently grown closer to President William Ruto.
Raila, who stood alongside Kenyatta in the Azimio coalition during the 2022 elections, has been accused by critics of abandoning the opposition’s role of holding the government accountable.
Some argue that his cooperation with Ruto’s administration is a result of frustration over the election loss rather than a genuine plan to improve governance.
Kenyatta’s words seemed to underline this view, suggesting that political decisions made in the heat of disappointment risk derailing a leader’s broader purpose.
Political analysts see Kenyatta’s latest remarks as part of his effort to revive the voice of Jubilee and to shape the national conversation around principle-based politics.
By highlighting his own acceptance of both wins and losses, he projected himself as a figure of restraint in a period when political alliances are shifting rapidly.
The ongoing closeness between Raila and Ruto has stirred mixed reactions across the country. Some opposition supporters feel betrayed, believing Raila has turned away from the role they expected him to play.
Others welcome his cooperation with government, arguing that it could help fast-track development projects, though many remain cautious about whether such a partnership will truly deliver results.
Through his message, Kenyatta made it clear that in his view, politics must not be reduced to personal survival.
He argued that decisions guided by bitterness may provide momentary satisfaction but ultimately weaken the mission of uniting the country and driving progress for all citizens.
