Uhuru Fires Back at Ruto, Warns Mt Kenya Against Repeating 2022 Mistake

Uhuru Fires Back at Ruto, Warns Mt Kenya Against Repeating 2022 Mistake

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has warned residents of the Mt Kenya region against repeating what he described as a political mistake made during the 2022 General Election, while also responding to claims that he is sponsoring opposition activities.

Uhuru delivered the remarks on Saturday, October 3, during the funeral service of Mwalimu Jackson Karua, the father of People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua, in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County.

The former president recalled his position ahead of the 2022 election, when he supported the Azimio la Umoja presidential ticket of Raila Odinga and Martha Karua.

He told mourners that he had warned residents at the time about the political direction they were taking but said they chose to disregard his advice.

“I warned you in 2022 that the path you wanted to take was based on self-deception. You thought you knew better. I knew Raila, and I knew that with his partnership with Karua, this country would be much further ahead. Making a mistake is not the mistake; repeating it is,” Uhuru said.

Uhuru warns against repeating mistake

Although Uhuru did not directly name President William Ruto in the remarks, his message was widely understood in the context of the 2027 General Election.

He urged the gathering to reflect on the region’s political choices and whether they would make what he described as the same mistake again.

“Making a mistake is not the problem. Repeating it is the problem,” Uhuru told the crowd.

The former president’s remarks come as political parties and leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections, with competing efforts to build alliances and consolidate support across different regions.

Uhuru has remained active in political discussions despite retiring from elective politics and recently handed over the leadership of the Jubilee Party to former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.

He is expected to remain involved in the party as a senior adviser as it prepares for the 2027 General Election.

Former President responds to ‘sponsor’ claims

Uhuru also responded to accusations from Ruto and some of his allies that he is financially supporting opposition politicians and political movements.

The former president dismissed the claims and said he was not seeking another political position.

He said he was satisfied with the position he currently holds and would not be distracted by the labels directed at him.

“I’m not looking for anything. I am content and grateful to God for the position he has given me. If people want to insult me by calling me a ‘sponsor,’ a ‘drunkard,’ or whatever else, that’s fine. You’re wasting your time with someone who isn’t looking for anything,” Uhuru said.

The “sponsor” allegations have featured prominently in political exchanges involving the retired president and the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Uhuru has previously dismissed claims that he is financing opposition activities, including those associated with political movements seeking to challenge the current administration.

Political leaders attend Karua funeral

The issue was also raised in a lighter moment during the funeral, where Nyandarua Senator and DCP Secretary General John Methu referred to the “sponsor” label while addressing Uhuru.

The funeral brought together several prominent political figures, including former Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, Fred Matiang’i, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa.

Uhuru’s remarks added a political dimension to a gathering primarily held to honour Mwalimu Jackson Karua, who was remembered by family, friends and political leaders.

The former president’s comments are likely to keep attention on the political direction of Mt Kenya as parties and political formations prepare for the 2027 General Election.

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Uhuru Fires Back at Ruto, Warns Mt Kenya Against Repeating 2022 Mistake