I’m Not a Sponsor: Uhuru Kenyatta Hits Back at Ruto Over Opposition Claims
Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has dismissed claims that he is sponsoring opposition politicians ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying Kenyans should be free to choose their preferred leaders.
Uhuru spoke on Sunday, August 23, 2026, during a memorial service for former Vice-President Michael Kijana Wamalwa in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County.
His remarks came amid growing political debate over his alleged involvement in opposition activities and claims by President William Ruto and his allies that the former president is financing political groups seeking to challenge the government in 2027.
Addressing a cheering crowd, Uhuru jokingly rejected attempts to portray him as a political “sponsor”.
“Jameni… Jameni chungeni. Mimi sitaki kuitwa sponsor bana. Mimi sitaki mambo mingi,” he said.
The former president then stressed that Kenyan voters should be allowed to make their own decisions during the 2027 election without being pressured to support a particular political side.
“Mimi nimesema ya kwamba chaguo ni la nani? Chaguo ni la nani? Na hakuna haja ya kulazimisha Mkenya yeyote kwenda upande huu au upande huu. Wakenya watajichagulia wenyewe,” Uhuru said.
President Ruto has previously described Uhuru as an opposition “sponsor”, alleging that his predecessor is supporting political figures seeking to challenge his administration in the 2027 election.
The claims have also drawn reactions from opposition leaders, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who has said Uhuru does not financially support him but instead encourages young people to participate in leadership.
Uhuru’s remarks in Kitale appeared to distance him from accusations that he is directing or financing opposition politics while emphasising the role of voters in determining the country’s next leadership.
The former president served as Kenya’s Head of State from 2013 to 2022 and has remained active in political discussions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
During the memorial service, Uhuru did not endorse any particular candidate. Instead, he maintained that Kenyans should independently decide who they want to lead the country.