Belgut MP Nelson Koech has defended former President Uhuru Kenyatta, asserting that his recent comments during his cousin Kibathi Muigai’s funeral were taken out of context.
Speaking during a morning TV show on Monday, January 20, 2025, Koech explained that Uhuru’s remarks were in response to a question posed by his niece, Ngina, who had traveled from Canada for the funeral.
“He was responding to a question by one of his nieces from Canada who attended the funeral. Ngina had asked the former president to prevail upon the older family members to allow the younger generation to take up leadership positions. In that response, Uhuru said, ‘I want to urge you young people to take up positions of leadership,’” Koech clarified.
Uhuru’s Call to Action for the Youth
During the funeral on Friday, January 17, 2025, Uhuru urged the youth to stand up for their rights and take leadership roles. He described them as the future of the nation, encouraging resilience and determination.
“Shida ya watu siku hizi, sijui mumeogopeshwa. Ma Gen Z, nyinyi ndio the story of the future. Fight for your rights bwana. Sio kukaa hapo mali yenu ichukuliwe na nyinyi mumetolea jasho. Msikubali. Pambaneni muhakikishe mumepata haki yenu,” Uhuru remarked.
The retired president also praised Kibathi Muigai, a former rally driver and son of Jomo Kenyatta’s only brother, for his resilience, particularly after enduring detention during the Moi administration.
Uhuru’s remarks sparked mixed reactions, with some lauding him for advocating for the youth and others criticizing the sentiments as potentially divisive.
Speaking during a school event in Garissa on Sunday, January 19, 2025, Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale expressed concern over the former president’s statements, suggesting they could be interpreted as incitement.
“It is very unfortunate if we, as leaders—current and former—set the stage where we tell the young people of our nation to commit acts of violence and disobedience. By doing so, we lose the moral high ground,” Duale stated.
Uhuru-Ruto Meeting
The remarks come weeks after President William Ruto visited Uhuru at his Ichaweri home in Gatundu South. During the meeting, the two leaders reportedly discussed various issues, including fostering unity and development.
“President Ruto took the opportunity to reiterate his appreciation and commendation of His Excellency President Kenyatta’s statesmanship in overseeing the peaceful transfer of power after the 2022 elections, as well as the goodwill the former President has continued to demonstrate toward his fellow leaders and his support for Kenya’s ongoing progress and development,” a State House statement read.
