Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has pushed back against claims by President William Ruto that he is financing opposition politicians to frustrate the government, insisting that Kenyans will independently decide who leads them after the 2027 General Election.
Speaking on Sunday at the 23rd memorial service of former Vice-President Michael Kijana Wamalwa in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, Uhuru appeared to make light of the accusations that have placed him at the centre of an escalating political war with his successor.
“Please be careful. I do not want to be called sponsor. Nobody should be forced to support one political side or the other. Kenyans will decide for themselves when the time comes,” Uhuru said as the crowd reacted to his mention of several opposition figures.
The former president said voters should not be pressured to support particular political camps, maintaining that the choice of Kenya’s next president rests with the electorate.
He listed several potential presidential contenders, including Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang’i and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, while also saying Kenyans were free to re-elect Ruto if that was their choice.
“Kenyans have a right to choose the leaders they want,” Uhuru said, stressing that voters should be allowed to make their choice freely.
Uhuru attended the memorial alongside a host of opposition figures, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, PLP party leader Martha Karua, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi and former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu.
His remarks come amid sustained attacks from Ruto, who has repeatedly accused his predecessor of sponsoring opposition politicians and using them to undermine government programmes ahead of the 2027 election.
Ruto has challenged opposition leaders to demonstrate their development record and present an alternative agenda to Kenyans instead of campaigning solely on removing him from office.
“Before you come to face off with me, seek agenda, vision and bring forth your track record,” Ruto said on Sunday.
The President has also accused the opposition of pushing divisive politics and argued that his administration’s development programmes are being implemented across the country regardless of region or ethnic affiliation.
Opposition leaders have, however, rejected the claims against Uhuru. Sifuna has previously denied receiving financial support from the former president, saying Uhuru’s involvement has largely been to encourage younger politicians to take up leadership roles.
Kalonzo has also defended Uhuru, recently asking Ruto to stop dragging the retired president into political battles and allow him to enjoy his retirement.
He said Uhuru could consider leaving his Azimio leadership role if it was being used as justification for the attacks against him.
On the government side, Ruto’s allies have increasingly demanded that Uhuru stay away from active politics, arguing that a retired president should play the role of a statesman.
The escalating exchanges signal a deepening political confrontation between the former allies as both government and opposition camps intensify mobilization ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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