Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged political leaders to prioritise service, unity and integrity.

The former President said that Kenyans are increasingly demanding leadership that delivers rather than rhetoric marked by insults and division.

Uhuru was speaking on Wednesday during the burial of former Kirinyaga Senator Daniel Karaba at Njega Primary School in Kirinyaga County, where he joined family, leaders and mourners in paying tribute to the late legislator.

He stated that the country’s progress hinges on unity and principled leadership, calling on those in positions of power to serve selflessly.

“Be leaders, that is what the people of Kenya want. They want leadership, not politics or insults. They want direction and leadership that will see them through to the other side. Our country needs unity for us to have peace, stability and progress. It needs leaders of integrity, leaders who are there to serve their people. By serving your people, you are serving your God,” Uhuru said.

The former Head of State cautioned against selfish leadership, urging politicians to focus on the collective good of all Kenyans.

The burial also provided a rare political moment, as Uhuru shared a public interaction with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The two leaders, who have been on opposing sides since the 2022 General Election that ushered in President William Ruto, were seen greeting each other warmly and engaging in light moments during the service.

Uhuru arrived after other leaders had gathered and was received by Gachagua alongside a section of opposition figures. Mourners briefly interrupted the proceedings to welcome him.

Also present at the funeral were People’s Liberation Party Leader Martha Karua, Wiper Patriotic Front Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Jubilee Party Leader Fred Mtiang’I, DAP-K Leader Eugine Wamalwa, and former CS Justin Muturi, among other leaders.

In his tribute, Uhuru eulogised Karaba as a lifelong educator who later served as Kirinyaga Senator from 2013 to 2017.

Karaba, who served as Kirinyaga Senator from 2013 to 2017, passed away in March 2026 at the age of 78.

His death was announced by Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, who described him as a distinguished leader.

Born in 1948 in Kiamaina village, Karaba was a career educator who rose through the ranks to become a principal in several secondary schools, including Kagumo and Njegas Secondary schools, before venturing into politics.

He is remembered for his dedication to education and public service, leaving behind a legacy that impacted generations in Kirinyaga County and beyond.

He later chaired the Secondary Schools Heads Association for more than a decade, shaping education policy and leadership across the country.

Karaba entered elective politics in 2002 when he won the Kirinyaga Central parliamentary seat on a Narc ticket.

He later served as Senator for Kirinyaga County after winning the seat in the 2013 elections on a TNA ticket, garnering widespread support.

During his time in Parliament, Karaba chaired the Education Committee and served on several other key committees, earning a reputation as a thoughtful legislator committed to development and governance.

Karaba is survived by his wife Charity Karaba, their children and a large extended family that includes grandchildren Ethan, Neema, Benjie, Leah, Hailey, Grace, Huru and Shantie.