If I see you insulting others, you’re out! Uhuru warns Jubilee members

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, alongside Jubilee Deputy party leader Fred Matiang'i/HANDOUT

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has cautioned members of the Jubilee Party against engaging in insults and divisive language, insisting that the party must maintain a culture of respect and discipline as it reorganises at the grassroots.

Speaking during a meeting with Jubilee grassroots leaders at Thika Greens on Friday, Uhuru said that the party would not tolerate what he termed as politics of abuse, personal attacks, or smear campaigns.

Uhuru stressed that maintaining respect in political discourse is central to Jubilee’s identity and future.

He warned that any member found hurling insults or provoking divisions would face expulsion without hesitation.

“I will not tolerate members insulting one another,” he said in the Kikuyu dialect.

“While I hold this leadership, and until I hand it over to someone else to advance the party, anyone who engages in such conduct will be shown the door — out means out! If you want to behave that way, find another party, not this one. Are we understanding each other?”

The remarks were met with applause from attendees, many of whom expressed support for the former president’s renewed push to streamline the party’s internal order and public messaging.

Uhuru urged party officials and supporters to focus on constructive engagement with citizens by promoting policy ideas and development plans rather than trading insults with political opponents.

He said that such conduct not only disrespects the values of the party but also undermines public trust.

He also addressed online exchanges and political commentary that he said were damaging the party’s reputation.

The former president pointed particularly to instances where Jubilee members or supporters were perceived to be attacking former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other leaders under the guise of defending Jubilee.

“Insults will not take you anywhere. It is respect that takes a person far,” he said.

“And to the Secretary General (Jeremiah Kioni) I want to say — this habit of constantly following and reacting to what is being said online, where people say they are defending Jubilee by insulting Gachagua and others, I do not want that behaviour.”

Uhuru emphasised that the party intends to rebuild from the ground up through peaceful engagement and well-structured political messaging.

He encouraged grassroots leaders to return to their communities and speak directly to people about Jubilee's policies, values and future direction without resorting to confrontation.

He reminded members that Jubilee has historically presented itself as a unified and stable political formation and must continue to do so

“We want to sell our agenda as Jubilee. We want leaders who are respected, and leaders who can move this country forward.”

Uhuru concluded by calling for unity, discipline and a renewed commitment to rebuilding the party’s structures and influence.

He told members that maintaining peace and respect in political engagement would strengthen the party’s connection with the public and reinforce its role as a viable political force in the country.

The forum in Murang'a county also saw Jubilee deputy party leader Fred Matiang'i attend.