Work for Kenyans if you want a Jubilee ticket. Do not antagonize people on tribal lines if you want a Jubilee ticket. Those were the words of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta today.
President Kenyatta was speaking at a Jubilee delegates meeting at the Kiambu Golf Club.
Stop Looking for Scapegoats
President Kenyatta stated that the problem with many politicians today is that they have lost all sense of leadership. He said that many have stopped addressing the issues affecting the common Kenyan. Instead, they are looking for scapegoats.
Worse still, they are using divisive language that can easily lead to societal chaos. The 4th president reminded the delegates of the unfortunate 2007 tribal clashes. He explained to them that the clashes were the peak of divisive political talk that had begun much earlier.
Political Maturity Is Not About Age
President Kenyatta emphasized that political maturity is not determined by age. He noted that some young people can serve Kenyans better than older ones.
He gave the example of politicians who entered parliament in the last election, but now seem to be following a personality cult rather than people-focused ideas.
Always Speak Respectfully
President Kenyatta advised the Jubilee delegates to speak respectfully to Kenyans. He told them it is possible to criticize their political opponents without resorting to insults and derogatory language.
According to President Kenyatta, no delegate or member should mar the image of the Jubilee Party through the use of indecent language.
Jubilee’s Presidential Candidate
Earlier in the meeting, the delegates had ratified the appointment of Dr. Fred Matiang’i as the Jubilee Party flagbearer. Dr. Fred Okeng’o Matiang’i is now officially the Presidential Candidate for the Jubilee Party.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Matiang’i thanked former President Uhuru Kenyatta and all the party delegates.
Like the president, he also criticized the indignity with which some of their political opponents are conducting themselves. He specifically pointed to the language some politicians have been using to refer to their opponents, warning that such behaviour can only jeopardize peaceful debate.
President Kenyatta’s Arrival at the Delegates Meeting
President Uhuru Kenyatta arrived at the Kiambu Golf Club amidst jubilation from the party delegates.
Some delegates, peacefully but excitedly, ushered him inside as the compound was filled with chants of “The President”, “Uhuru”, and “Karibu”. With some cool music playing in the background, the atmosphere was a mix of joy and serenity.
More Speakers Expected
The meeting was expected to be addressed by different delegates. Among the Jubilee members expected to speak was the Party’s Deputy Organizing Secretary, Pauline Njoroge.
Pauline Njoroge is not only a party official but a prominent youth representative. She is also touted as a potential aspirant for the Nairobi Gubernatorial seat in 2027.
One big takeaway today was the need to avoid laying the ground for political tensions. Another was the need to focus on solving the problems Kenyans face.