Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has cautioned Mt Kenya residents against repeating what he described as the political mistake they made in the 2022 General Election, while responding to claims by President William Ruto and his allies that he is sponsoring opposition activities.
Uhuru spoke on Saturday, October 3, during the funeral service of Mwalimu Jackson Karua, the father of former Justice Minister Martha Karua, in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County. In his remarks, the former president said he was comfortable with his current position and had no interest in seeking another political office.
His message to the Mt Kenya community centred on the choices made during the 2022 election and whether residents were prepared to make the same decision again. Uhuru said he had warned the community at the time about the political direction it was taking but his advice was not followed.
“I warned you in 2022 that the path you wanted to take was based on self-deception. You thought you knew better. I knew Raila, and I knew that with his partnership with Karua, this country would be much further ahead. Making a mistake is not the mistake; repeating it is,” Uhuru said in his mother tongue, Kikuyu.
The former president did not directly name the political leaders he was referring to in most parts of his speech. Instead, he used a common saying to drive home his point, asking the crowd whether they were ready to repeat the same error.
“Making a mistake is not the problem. Repeating it is the problem,” Uhuru told the crowd.
His remarks came amid continued political exchanges between him and Ruto, with the President and some of his allies accusing the former head of state of supporting opposition politicians and movements. Uhuru has previously rejected the claims and maintained that he is not seeking political office.
Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta arrives at the burial ceremony of Mwalimu Jackson Kamau, father of PLP party leader Martha Karua, in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, on Saturday, September 5, 2026. PHOTO//Screengraby People Daily Digital
Responding to the description of him as a “sponsor”, Uhuru said he was not concerned about the names being used against him. He maintained that he was satisfied with the position he currently holds and grateful for his time as president.
“I’m not looking for anything. I am content and grateful to God for the position he has given me. If people want to insult me by calling me a ‘sponsor,’ a ‘drunkard,’ or whatever else, that’s fine. You’re wasting your time with someone who isn’t looking for anything,” Uhuru said.
The former president’s comments come weeks after he handed over the leadership of the Jubilee Party to former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i. Uhuru said he would continue serving within the party as a senior adviser as it prepares for the 2027 General Election.
His continued involvement in Jubilee has kept him in the political conversation as different parties and leaders position themselves ahead of the next election. Ruto and several Kenya Kwanza allies have repeatedly accused Uhuru of supporting political forces opposed to the government.
The accusations have included claims that the former president is using his financial resources to support opposition politicians and political pressure groups, including the Linda Mwananchi movement. Uhuru has dismissed the “sponsor” description and has previously joked about the label during a funeral in Murang’a.
The issue also came up during Saturday’s funeral. Nyandarua Senator and DCP Secretary General John Methu asked Uhuru to finance his party, while other leaders, including Mukisa Kituyi, joined in the light-hearted remarks surrounding the “sponsor” claims.
The funeral brought together a number of prominent political figures from different parties and political backgrounds. Those in attendance included former Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, Fred Matiang’i, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and DAK leader Eugene Wamalwa, among others.
Uhuru’s remarks therefore placed his response to the “sponsor” accusations alongside a message to his Mt Kenya political base. While he maintained that he was not seeking any political seat, he reminded residents of his position in 2022 and challenged them to consider whether they would make the same political choice again.
