Uhuru Dismisses Claims He Is Funding Opposition

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has denied financing or directing opposition activities against President William Ruto’s administration, saying he has left active politics and that Kenyans will decide who leads the country.

Speaking in Kitale during a memorial service for former Vice-President Michael Kijana Wamalwa, Mr Kenyatta dismissed claims that he is sponsoring rival political movements, including the Linda Mwananchi initiative associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

The former president made the remarks after the crowd cheered when he mentioned Mr Sifuna’s name. He cautioned supporters against interpreting the reaction as evidence that he was backing the senator.

“Jameni chungeni, sitaki kuitwa sponsor,” he said, drawing laughter from the audience.

Mr Kenyatta’s comments came amid repeated accusations by President Ruto and his allies that he is using political proxies to organise opposition against the government. President Ruto has criticised his predecessor’s record and accused him of seeking to undermine the administration. 

At a rally in Eldoret earlier this month, Mr Ruto questioned Mr Kenyatta’s performance on housing, health and education and alleged that he was mobilising opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 General Election. In Kitale, however, Mr Kenyatta said his time in active politics had ended and that the decision on Kenya’s next president belonged to voters.

He named several politicians who could seek the presidency, including Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang’i, Edwin Sifuna and President Ruto, while urging Kenyans not to allow political differences to divide them.

“It is time for other people and Kenyans will decide. Do not agree to be divided,” he said.

Mr Kenyatta also said he had no interest in seeking another political position. His comments came as his continued presence at political gatherings has fuelled speculation about his role in the opposition and the 2027 succession contest.

The former president received a warm welcome at the memorial service, with the crowd singing and dancing as he arrived. He later laid a wreath at Wamalwa’s mausoleum and joined political leaders including Mr Musyoka, Martha Karua, Mr Matiang’i, Charity Ngilu and Justin Muturi.

The event also marked the launch of a book documenting Wamalwa’s life and political legacy. Mr Kenyatta wrote the foreword, while Eugene Wamalwa, the former vice-president’s brother, described the publication as a long-awaited tribute to a leader remembered for his commitment to national unity.

The memorial service has been held annually since Wamalwa died in 2003. This year’s event took place as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Mr Kenyatta’s appearance alongside senior opposition figures renewed debate over his influence in current politics, despite his repeated statements that he is no longer involved in active political competition. He maintained that political power belongs to voters and that Kenyans should be free to choose their next leaders.