Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has challenged Kenya’s political class to embrace unity, integrity and service to the people, warning against divisive politics.
Speaking during the funeral of former Kirinyaga Senator Daniel Karaba Kimaru, Kenyatta said Kenyans are yearning for leadership that offers direction rather than political hostility.
“Be the leaders the people of Kenya want. They want leadership; they don’t want politics or insults. They want direction,” he said.
Kenyatta emphasised that the country’s progress depends on leaders who prioritise unity, peace and stability over personal ambition, urging politicians to reduce selfishness and focus on serving citizens.
He also reflected on his past political cooperation with Raila Odinga, saying their efforts were aimed at fostering national unity and steering the country away from tribal divisions.
“We wanted a country led by policies and principles, not tribal bitterness and hate,” he said.
The former president paid tribute to Karaba as a dedicated public servant whose impact spanned both education and politics. Before joining elective politics,
Karaba served as a principal at Kianyaga and Kagumo high schools, where he built a reputation as a committed educationist. Kenyatta noted that even in political office, Karaba remained grounded and focused on practical solutions for his constituents.
“As an MP and senator, he was not overcome by pride but remained a practical man who served his people,” he said.
He credited the late senator for championing education reforms, particularly the push for 100 per cent transition from primary to secondary school during his administration.
“Education is a right for every child. He consistently pushed for that until we achieved significant progress,” Kenyatta said, adding that Karaba believed no child should remain idle after completing primary education.
Kenyatta urged aspiring leaders to emulate Karaba’s example, drawing a distinction between politicians and true leaders.
“We have many politicians, but few are chosen to be leaders,” he said.
At the same event, Rigathi Gachagua criticised the current state of public services, claiming that key systems established during Kenyatta’s presidency had deteriorated.
Gachagua said delays in school capitation had forced some institutions to close early due to financial constraints. He also questioned the replacement of the
National Hospital Insurance Fund with the Social Health Authority, raising concerns over its management.
“The NHIF you left was working effectively, but it has been replaced with a new system whose structure raises questions,” he said.
The opposition leader further revealed plans to unite behind a single presidential candidate in the next elections, naming figures such as Fred Matiang’i and Kalonzo Musyoka as possible contenders.
He added that past political differences with Kenyatta had been set aside, describing him as a long-time friend and ally.
“Those were politics of yesterday; we are now in different times,” Gachagua said.
The event was also attended by other opposition leaders including Kalonzo Musyoka [Wiper], Eugene Wamalwa [DAP-K], Martha Karua [LPK], Fred Matiang'i [former Interior CS], James Orengo [Siaya Governor] and Justine Muturi [former AG].