Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has hit back at President William Ruto over sustained claims that he is sponsoring opposition politicians seeking to challenge the President in the 2027 General Election.
Uhuru dismissed the allegations and warned against attempts to limit his political rights or those of other Kenyans, insisting that citizens should be free to support and elect leaders of their choice.
Speaking during the 23rd memorial service of former Vice President Michael Kijana Wamalwa in Kitale, Uhuru said Kenya’s democratic freedoms had been secured through years of struggle and should not be undermined.
“We are a democratic society and those democratic ideals were fought for hard by the man we are honouring today,” he said.
Uhuru Defends Kenyans’ Right to Choose Leaders
The former President said attempts to restrict political freedom were unconstitutional and risked reversing the country’s democratic gains.
“Freedom for Kenyans is to be able to elect the leaders they want. I’m here to defend that freedom. Nobody can take away that freedom that was fought for with blood and sweat by our leaders,” he said.
His remarks came days after Ruto renewed his accusations that Uhuru was behind politicians opposed to his administration.
Speaking during a church service in Taita Taveta on Sunday, Ruto described some opposition figures as political projects allegedly funded and directed by their “master”.
“These people [opposition] are projects or puppets. These are people who are sent. These are people who are paid,” the President said.
Uhuru rejected the claims and insisted that Kenyan voters did not need political sponsors to determine their preferred leaders.
“Kenyans have a right to decide. If they say they want Kalonzo, it is Kalonzo. If they say they want Ruto, it is Ruto. If they say they want Matiang’i, it is Matiang’i. If they say they want Sifuna, it is Sifuna,” he said.
He then jokingly cautioned politicians against portraying him as a sponsor.
“Please, be careful. I don’t want to be called a sponsor,” he added.
His mention of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna drew cheers from the gathering.
Sifuna Denies Uhuru Is Funding Linda Mwananchi
Sifuna has previously rejected allegations that Uhuru is bankrolling the Linda Mwananchi movement.
The Nairobi Senator has maintained that the movement relies on contributions and support from ordinary Kenyans and other well-wishers.
The latest exchange between Uhuru and Ruto comes as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 election, with both sides increasingly trading accusations over the formation and funding of emerging political alliances.
Uhuru Condemns Blocking of Political Meetings
Uhuru also criticised what he described as an emerging culture of politicians being prevented from holding meetings in areas perceived to be controlled by rival political camps.
He urged politicians to allow Kenyans to make their own decisions at the ballot.
“There is no need to force any Kenyan to go this side or that. Kenyans will decide for themselves. I am pleading with politicians: let us go to Kenyans with peace,” he said.
He added:
“This issue of blocking others from holding their meetings is taking us back. If you want votes, ask for them politely. Kenyans will give you votes.”
Uhuru also pointed to his own political journey, recalling that he accepted defeat after losing the 2002 presidential election before eventually returning to win the presidency in 2013.
“Even me, when I lost the presidency in 2002, I came back again in 2013, and I was given votes. Let people not say that I’m politicking. I’m not interested in any seat,” he said.
Uhuru Calls for Opposition Unity
The former President called for political leaders to prioritise unity and respect as they prepare for the 2027 contest.
He noted that although many politicians may aspire to become president, only one candidate can ultimately win the election.
“But they should know that while many people may want the presidency, only one person will be elected. If they mean well, they should look for ways of uniting. They should walk together and respect each other.”
Former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu separately urged opposition leaders to unite behind a single presidential candidate to challenge Ruto.
Ngilu recalled the opposition unity that brought together several political leaders ahead of the 2002 election, which ended Kanu’s long rule.
“Today, all these leaders here are good candidates for the presidency. Even Sifuna is good. But if each of them goes it alone, each of us will lick our wounds in 2027. We shall have done injustice to Kenyans,” she said.
Kalonzo, Muturi, Wamalwa and Karua Back One Candidate
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa and PLP leader Martha Karua have pledged to work towards producing a single opposition candidate to face Ruto.
Kalonzo said the memorial service was also an opportunity to renew the political ideals associated with Wamalwa.
“This is not just a memorial. It is a call to finish the work he (Wamalwa) started: a Kenya that is united, free, just and prosperous for all her children,” Kalonzo said.
What the Uhuru-Ruto Exchange Means for 2027
The increasingly public confrontation between Uhuru and Ruto highlights a broader political battle over the direction of the 2027 presidential election.
Ruto has sought to link emerging opposition forces to Uhuru, portraying the former President as a political force working behind the scenes to undermine his re-election bid.
Uhuru, meanwhile, is presenting himself as a defender of political freedoms and the constitutional right of Kenyans to choose their leaders.
The competing narratives point to a potentially significant role for opposition unity, former political alliances and Uhuru’s influence as the country moves closer to the 2027 polls.
