Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has spoken about his past decision to work with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga despite their past political rivalry, saying that continued hostility would not have helped the country move forward.

Uhuru said he realised that politics filled with insults and bitterness only leads to division, and that it was time for leaders to unite for the sake of national progress.

Speaking during a Jubilee Party meeting at Thika Greens Hotel in Murang’a County on Friday, November 7, 2025, Uhuru said his experience taught him the importance of peace and collaboration in leadership.

“Siasa za matusi. Mimi ni mtu wa kusema ukweli. Hata mimi nilikua na hizo siasa za kuongea vibaya. You know, lakini nilikuja kugundua hiyo siasa haiwezi tupeleka mahali popote,” he said.

Calls to end hostility

The former Head of State said that his decision to reach out to Raila Odinga was a deliberate effort to stop political enmity that had divided the country for many years.

“Na ndivyo nilienda nikasema hata kama tulienda tukashindana na kina Raila, jameni wacha tushikane. Kwa sababu tusiposhikana tutaendelea na uhasama, na hii uhasama haiwezi tusaidia kusonga mbele. Yaliopita si ndwele,” Uhuru said.

Uhuru explained that embracing reconciliation was the only way to ensure the country remains stable and focused on development. He said continued political hostility only drags the nation backwards and denies citizens the progress they deserve.

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Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, and several regional party coordinators accompanied the former president.

Addressing party delegates, Uhuru urged Mt Kenya leaders to put aside their differences and work together, saying that disunity had weakened the region’s influence in national politics.

He said Jubilee’s focus now is to rebuild unity and restore trust among leaders who share the same vision. Uhuru added that without unity, it would be difficult for the region and the country at large to achieve meaningful growth.

He encouraged leaders to learn from past mistakes and focus on cooperation rather than confrontation, reminding them that progress can only come through peace and understanding.