Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has revived his political message to voters in the Mt Kenya region, warning them against repeating what he described as the mistake they made in the 2022 General Election.
Uhuru delivered the remarks on Saturday, October 3, 2026, during the burial of Mwalimu Jackson Karua, the father of People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua, in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County.
His comments were interpreted as a renewed call against President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027, as the former president reflected on his unsuccessful efforts to persuade the region to support the Raila Odinga-Martha Karua ticket in 2022.
Uhuru Reminds Mt Kenya of 2022 Choice
Addressing residents, Uhuru said he had warned them ahead of the 2022 election that they were making what he considered the wrong political choice.
“I am happy, even after you people refused to listen to me. That is upon you. When I told you, you were making the wrong decision, you all thought you knew better. I knew that if the Old Man, late Raila Odinga, and your daughter, Martha Karua, united, Kenya would have made great progress,” Uhuru said.
He then challenged the gathering on whether they were prepared to repeat the same decision in 2027.
“A mistake is not a mistake unless it is repeated. Kirinyaga residents, will you make the same mistake? Kirinyaga residents, will you repeat the mistake? Let me see by a show of hands, so that they don’t accuse me of saying this. Sasa sijui ni makosa gani mlifanya, lakini kama nyinyi wenyewe mnajua, sasa si ni shauri yenu, ama nimesema aje?” Uhuru said.
The former president did not explicitly name Ruto in the exchange, but his remarks came in the context of the 2027 presidential contest and calls for a one-term presidency.
Uhuru Responds to ‘Sponsor’ Claims
Uhuru also addressed accusations from his political critics who have labelled him a sponsor of opposition activities.
He said he was unconcerned by the names being directed at him and maintained that he was not seeking another political position.
“Hata wakinitukana, wananiita sponsor, rebel leader, mlevi, sijui kesho wataniita nini. Mimi nawaangalia, nacheka. You’re wasting your time na mtu hana kitu anatafuta na unaskia wakati wanatukanana wanaenda kanisa kusema ni vibaya kutukana viongozi, ni vibaya kuongea hivi. Kutoka kanisa, dakika ya mbele ni kutukana wengine,” Uhuru noted.
Recent reports have documented continued criticism of Uhuru’s political involvement by allies of the Ruto administration, while the former president has maintained that he has a right to participate in political affairs.
Call for Opposition Unity
The Kirinyaga event also became a platform for renewed calls for opposition leaders to settle on a single presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 election.
Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina called on leaders including Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, Edwin Sifuna and Fred Matiang’i to resolve their differences and present one candidate.
“Watu ambao wanawania kiti cha urais, ikiwa ni pamoja na Karua, Gachagua, Kalonzo, Matiang’i, Sifuna, wananchi wanasema muingie kwa nyumba mpigane kama mtapigane, lakini mtupee candidate mmoja atapeleka Kasongo nyumbani,” Jane Njeri, Kirinyaga Woman Representative, said.
Uhuru subsequently asked the gathering whether they agreed with the message.
“Are you in agreement with what she has said? Are you in agreement with what she has said? For sure, for sure? By a show of hands, show me those who agree. Sasa wale wana masikio wasikie,” Uhuru said.
The calls come as opposition figures continue discussions over whether they can agree on a joint presidential candidate to challenge Ruto in the August 2027 election.
