Uhuru spoke on Sunday in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, where he joined family members, political leaders and residents in marking the 23rd anniversary of the death of former Vice President Michael Kijana Wamalwa.

The former President arrived at Wamalwa’s Milimani home to a warm reception, with supporters breaking into song and dance as he was welcomed to the memorial.

He was received by Wamalwa’s brother and DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, alongside Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu and Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi.

Uhuru later proceeded to Wamalwa’s mausoleum, where he laid a wreath and paid tribute to the former Vice President.

He also launched a book titled “My Country First ” documenting Wamalwa’s life and political legacy, for which he wrote the foreword.

Eugene Wamalwa said the publication had taken 23 years to complete.

But it was Uhuru’s remarks on the country’s political landscape that drew the greatest attention during the memorial.

The retired President sought to distance himself from claims that he was backing particular opposition politicians as political realignments gather pace ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said Kenyans should be allowed to freely choose their preferred leaders without interference from political figures.

“It’s the people who will decide. If they say it is Kalonzo, Ruto, Matiang’i, or Sifuna, it will be so. I don’t want to be called a sponsor; I have just said the power belongs to the people,” Uhuru said.

The crowd cheered when Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was mentioned, prompting Uhuru to make a pointed response.

“Jameni chungeni, sitaki kuitwa sponsor,” he said.

Uhuru insisted that his presence at political gatherings or his interaction with opposition leaders should not be interpreted as an indication that he intends to return to active politics.

“People should not say that I am engaging in politics. I don’t have any interest in any seat,” he said.

The former President, who served as Kenya’s Head of State from 2013 to 2022, also reflected on his own political journey, urging politicians seeking elective positions to approach voters with humility.

“If you want votes, ask Kenyans politely; they will give them to you or deny you. I asked them at first and I was denied, I came back again and they voted for me,” Uhuru said.

“I thank God for the years he has given me in leadership. I thank Kenyans for giving me that chance.”

He also challenged political leaders to allow their opponents to campaign freely, warning against attempts to prevent rival groups from holding public meetings.

“I want to ask political leaders to talk to the people peacefully. This thing of stopping rivals from holding meetings should stop,” Uhuru said.

“Kenyans should not be forced to join this faction or that one. Kenyans should choose by themselves.”

His remarks came against the backdrop of growing political activity as parties and prominent leaders position themselves for the 2027 presidential contest.

Uhuru, however, maintained that political leaders should not dictate the choices of voters, saying Kenyans must be allowed to determine their preferred candidates.

He linked his call for political tolerance to Wamalwa’s legacy, describing the late Vice President as a key figure in Kenya’s democratic struggle.

Uhuru described Wamalwa as one of the better angels of our nature and the gentleman of Kenya’s politics.

“We are a democratic society, and those democratic ideals were fought for very hard… And we cannot allow ourselves to go backward,” he said.

Wamalwa served as Kenya’s eighth Vice President under retired President Mwai Kibaki after the National Rainbow Coalition won the 2002 General Election.

He died in London on August 23, 2003, aged 59, after a long illness.

The annual memorial has continued to bring together political leaders from across the country to celebrate his contribution to Kenya’s democratic struggle and political history.

This year’s event brought together Uhuru, Kalonzo, Karua, Matiang’i, Eugene Wamalwa and other leaders, providing a significant political gathering as the country moves closer to the 2027 elections.

Despite the political significance of the gathering, Uhuru maintained that he was not seeking any political seat and that the ultimate decision on Kenya’s next leaders belongs to the electorate.

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Gachagua spoke on Sunday, August 23, 2026, during a church service at PEFA Church in Karatina, Nyeri County, where he also addressed his ongoing Wamunyoro consultations and his political plans ahead of the 2027 General Election.

He said he would formally present the outcome of the 45-day consultations at Wamunyoro on Monday, August 24, as the meetings come to an end.

“I will give the full report on the Wamunyoro consultations on Monday as the conclave comes to the end,” Gachagua said.

The DCP leader said the consultations had enabled him to listen to Kenyans and gather views on the country’s political direction ahead of the 2027 elections.

The meetings at his Wamunyoro residence have involved delegations from different regions and groups as he seeks to shape a political strategy for the next election.

Gachagua also mounted a spirited defence of Uhuru, warning Ruto against involving the retired president in his political battles.

“Uhuru Kenyatta must be allowed to enjoy his retirement without Ruto bothering him,” he said.

He further praised Uhuru for rejecting attempts to work with Ruto, saying the former president risked damaging his reputation if he returned to the government’s political fold.

“I want to laud President Uhuru for rejecting any attempts by Ruto to work with him. If he agrees to work with Ruto he will taint his name,” Gachagua said.

Gachagua’s latest remarks came as Uhuru himself spoke publicly in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, where he urged political leaders to allow Kenyans to freely choose their preferred candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.

Turning his guns on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Gachagua mocked him over his recent warning to Kenyans against going to places where “goons” are expected.

“Kijana mdogo mtukutu,” Gachagua said in reference to Murkomen, in remarks that immediately drew political attention.

Gachagua also sought to distance himself from the failures of the Kenya Kwanza administration, arguing that he had tried to prevent the government from imploding while he served as Deputy President.

“I am not responsible for the regime’s failures. I tried to save Ruto from destabilising his own government,” he said.

The former Deputy President has increasingly intensified his criticism of Ruto as he positions the DCP as part of the opposition camp ahead of the 2027 polls.

His Wamunyoro consultations have been closely watched as he weighs the political options available to the Mt Kenya region and the wider opposition.

Gachagua is expected to conclude the consultations on Monday before embarking on the next phase of his political programme.

He has also announced plans to travel to the United States on Wednesday, August 26, with his wife, Dorcas Rigathi, for engagements with Kenyans in the diaspora and discussions on his political strategy.

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At the height of his influence, Jirongo was not only a politician but also a businessman whose name was linked to sprawling real estate projects, shopping outlets and controversial land deals.

Enterprises associated with him, including Sololo Outlets Limited and Kuza Farms & Allied Limited — pursued large‑scale housing and land developments such as Hazina Estate, Saika Estate and Kemri Estate in Nairobi, among others.

Some of these projects were celebrated initially as visionary, but later became mired in legal disputes and debt recovery efforts.

The trouble formally began when Jirongo secured a Sh700 million loan from the National Bank of Kenya using properties registered in the names of several companies owned by businessman Sammy Boit arap Kogo.

When Jirongo failed to service the debt, the bank auctioned the collateral at a public sale in 2009.

After failing to repay the agreed amount, Kogo’s companies, including Masole Ltd, Baia Enterprises, Gilera Ltd, Koti Developers, Saman Developers, Kenete Enterprises, Marimio Enterprises and Linsala Enterprises, sought legal redress.

On October 9, 2017, a Commercial Court in Nairobi ruled that Jirongo be declared bankrupt for his inability to pay the outstanding debt.

Justice Olga Sewe ordered that an official receiver be appointed to manage his estate and oversee asset liquidation to recover funds for creditors.

The bankruptcy order marked a public fall for a man once associated with wealth and political clout.

It also had political implications: Kenyan law bars individuals declared bankrupt from running for certain elective positions, potentially dimming Jirongo’s aspirations after his 2017 presidential bid.

The legal troubles did not end there. In 2017, the High Court also ordered Jirongo to pay Sh110 million to COTU Secretary‑General Francis Atwoli in a separate judgment over a “friendly loan,” further underlining the depth of his financial challenges.

By the early 2020s, many properties linked to his business ventures had either been sold at auction, put under receivership, or remained embroiled in protracted cases, while some of his assets were seized or frozen as courts continued to unwind his financial affairs.

Off the courtroom floor, Jirongo’s personal life was never far from public view.

Open about his polygamous lifestyle, he married more than 10 wives over the years, publicly celebrating the diversity of his family as symbolic of national unity.

Four of his marriages were widely recognised included widows Christine Nyokabi,Anne Kanini and Anne Lanoi, with spouses drawn from communities including Kikuyu, Kamba, Maasai and Kalenjin backgrounds.

His large family included at least eight known children, though some reports suggest even more, with offspring pursuing careers in fields such as architecture, journalism and business.

While some admired his commitment to supporting a broad extended family, others viewed his personal choices as emblematic of a larger‑than‑life persona that characterised much of his public life.

Jirongo’s journey from acclaimed business figure and political pioneer, notably in the Youth for KANU ‘92 movement, to court‑mandated bankruptcy is a story of ambition, risk‑taking, legal accountability and public fascination.

His business ventures and sprawling family life kept him in the spotlight through years of triumphs and setbacks.

As Kenya mourns his passing and family members gather in Lumakanda for his burial, the nation remembers not just a charismatic politician but a complex figure whose financial collapses and legal battles left an indelible imprint on the country’s political and economic history.

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The burial, held on December 30 at Jirongo’s rural home in Lumakanda, drew large crowds from across Lugari Constituency and neighbouring regions, with tight security in place as mourners gathered to honour a man whose political influence spanned decades.

KANU chairman Gideon Moi was among the high-profile figures present, alongside Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives Wycliffe Oparanya.

Others leaders present at the event are Busia Governor Paul Otuoma, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, as well as Members of Parliament, MCAs and senior national and county government officials.

The funeral service took place at the Lumakanda grounds, where family members, friends, community elders and political leaders paid glowing tributes to Jirongo, describing him as a bold, influential and grassroots-oriented leader who left a lasting mark on Kenyan politics.

Speakers recalled Jirongo’s time as Lugari Member of Parliament and his role as a seasoned political mobiliser whose reach cut across party lines.

Several leaders urged unity among Kenyans, saying Jirongo believed in dialogue and inclusive leadership.

Jirongo,64, a former MP for Lugari and businessman died on December 13, 2025, in a road traffic accident along the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway near Karai in Naivasha, after the vehicle he was driving collided head-on with a passenger bus. He was 64.

His burial in Lumakanda marked the end of a significant chapter in the political history of western Kenya, as mourners bade farewell to a figure many described as outspoken, fearless and deeply connected to the people.

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Speaking at Thika Greens in Murang’a County on Friday, Uhuru met with Jubilee Party leaders and delegates from across the region in a rally aimed at reviving the party’s structures, promoting cohesion, and preparing for the 2027 General Election.

The former president emphasized that he was not seeking political office but was determined to guide Jubilee back to its founding ideals of peace, unity, and inclusion.

“The challenges facing Mount Kenya are no different from those across the nation,” he said.

“They can only be overcome if we work together, with integrity and a sense of shared responsibility.”

Uhuru urged leaders to focus on service delivery rather than divisive rhetoric, cautioning against infighting and online insults.

“Jubilee must remain peaceful, disciplined, and respectful of all Kenyans,” he insisted, drawing nods from the delegates.

The former president also issued a direct warning to party members against attacking other leaders online, specifically singling out Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

“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 at my party,” Uhuru stated.

He made it clear that such behaviour would have consequences.

“Before I hand over this party, if they continue doing so, I will not hesitate to call them out and send them packing,” he warned.

“Respect is the only sustainable value,” he added, stressing that personal attacks undermine the party’s mission and credibility.

Deputy Party Leader Dr. Fred Matiang’i supported Uhuru’s stance, noting that internal cohesion and respect were essential for Jubilee to remain relevant and effective.

“Even if you do not like other leaders, there is no need for insults,” Matiang’i said.

“Our focus must be on serving Kenyans, building unity, and restoring confidence in our party.”

Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni confirmed that the party was undergoing structural reforms to strengthen democracy and accountability, calling on members, especially the youth and online mobilisers, to uphold discipline and promote a positive image of Jubilee.

Former Senator Kembi Gitura highlighted the importance of grassroots involvement and mentorship, praising the inclusion of large numbers of young delegates at the rally:

“This is about unity, mentorship, and building a party that focuses on policies rather than petty disputes,” he said.

By defending Gachagua and cracking down on online insults, Uhuru is emphasizing internal unity and external respectability, sending a clear message that personal attacks will no longer be tolerated.

As Jubilee expands its reach and strengthens its grassroots structures, Uhuru’s return and warning reinforce the party’s commitment to service, discipline, and national cohesion, positioning it as a credible and responsible political force.

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In Civil Casefiled at the High Court in Milimani, Lenaola, through his lawyers Ngeri, Omiti & Bush Advocates LLP, is seeking urgent injunction orders to restrain Muigai from “publishing, circulating or causing to be published any further defamatory statements” against him.

In court papers seen by this reporter, the judge said Muigai had, in a series of widely circulated video interviews on September 8, September 12, and September 25, 2025, made scandalous allegations that were “false, reckless, malicious and calculated to injure” his personal and professional reputation.

“The Respondent maliciously alleged without any justification that I, together with other Justices of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, was involved in corruption dealings in suits concerning his properties,” Lenaola stated in his sworn affidavit.

The judge further accused Muigai of going as far as linking him and his colleagues to the death of lawyer Kyalo Mbobu, who previously represented Muigai.

“On or about 12th September 2025, the Respondent made further allegations insinuating recklessly that I and other Justices were involved in the death of his Advocate, the late Mr. Kyalo Mbobu, allegedly as a result of his so-called ‘corruption exposé’,” Lenaola’s affidavit reads.

The disputed interviews were first aired on Digee (DG) Media’s YouTube and TikTok platforms, before being reposted on other digital outlets such as Mutembei TV, NewsLife TV, Superior Media KE, Balindiway Media, and Digital Nation.

As of the filing date, one of the TikTok videos had attracted 6,309 likes, 582 comments, 796 saves, and 1,724 reposts, according to the pleadings.

Lenaola argues that the wide circulation has fueled public misconceptions, lowering his standing among “right-thinking members of society” and undermining the integrity of the Judiciary, which “depends heavily on public trust.”

On September 16, 2025, Lenaola’s lawyers issued a formal demand notice to Muigai, instructing him to retract the claims.

However, Muigai allegedly refused, and instead “dared the Applicant to sue him.”

In one of his later videos on September 25, Muigai is said to have admitted granting similar interviews to mainstream media, including Nation Media Group, “with the malicious intent of further spreading his defamatory and unsubstantiated statements.”

Lenaola now seeks urgent court orders to compel Muigai to delete all defamatory videos, retract his remarks, and cease further publication pending full hearing of the case.

His lawyers argue:“It is in the public interest that the Respondent be restrained forthwith, as the Applicant, being a senior member of the Judiciary, requires protection from continued peddling of falsehoods. The actions of the Respondent are ill-intended and orchestrated to besmirch the reputation of the Applicant, unless this Honourable Court intervenes.”

The judge is seeking various orders inccluding,a temporary and permanent injunction barring Muigai from publishing any further defamatory statements.
” The court should issue an order compelling Muigai to retract and delete all defamatory posts and videos,” Lenaola seeks.

Justice Lenaola, who has also served in various regional and international judicial roles, emphasized his constitutional right to a good name under Articles 31 and 33(3) of the Constitution of Kenya (2010).

“Like every other Kenyan, I am entitled to my good name and the esteem in which I am held by others. By virtue of my distinguished position both locally and internationally, my reputation should not be disparaged by defamatory statements made without lawful justification,” he stated.

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