Former President Uhuru Kenyatta among leaders attend 23rd memorial service for Wamalwa, held in Kitale, Trans Nzoia county on August 23, 2026 / OFFICE OF THE 4TH PRESIDENT OF KENYAFormer President Uhuru Kenyatta has dismissed claims that he is interfering in Kenyan politics by backing opposition proxies, saying he has no interest in seeking any political position.
Uhuru urged Kenyans to remain peaceful, united, and respectful as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.
Speaking on Sunday at the 23rd memorial service for Micheal Wamalwa Kijana, held in Kitale, Trans Nzoia county, Uhuru said his past leadership was an opportunity given to him by Kenyans and that he is now content to leave the choice of the country's next leaders to the electorate.
“If you want votes, ask Kenyans politely; they will give them to you or deny you. I asked them at first and I was denied, I came back again and they voted for me. People should not come out and say that whatever I’m saying, I am politicking. I have no interest in any position. I thank God for the years he has given me in leadership. I thank Kenyans for giving me that chance,” he said.
The former President also urged Kenyans not to allow themselves to be divided or intimidated during the political season.
“Kenyans are the ones who will decide whom they want. Kenyans should know that everyone will come out saying they want this opportunity but God decides that it is only one person,” Uhuru said.
“If they want what is good, they should find a way to be united, walk together and be respectful to each other. For you Kenyans, do not agree to be scolded, unite and be a one thing."
At the same time, Uhuru made a light-hearted reference to claims linking him to the sponsorship of the Linda Mwananchi movement.
This was after supporters erupted in cheers when he mentioned Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
Uhuru was listing political leaders while stressing that the decision on who would become Kenya’s next president would ultimately rest with voters in the 2027 General Election.
He said Kenyans would be free to choose whoever they wanted as president.
However, the crowd broke into loud cheers and ululations when Uhuru mentioned Sifuna’s name, prompting the former President to caution them against fuelling claims that he was backing the Nairobi senator politically.
“Jameni chungeni, sitaki kuitwa sponsor,” Uhuru said, drawing laughter from the audience.
The remark appeared to be a response to the political debate surrounding claims by President William Ruto and some of his allies that Uhuru is financing opposition politicians, including figures associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement.
Ruto has repeatedly alleged that Uhuru is backing politicians positioning themselves against his re-election bid, while describing Sifuna and other opposition figures as being linked to the former President.
Sifuna, however, has consistently denied claims that Uhuru is funding the Linda Mwananchi movement, maintaining that the group relies on support and contributions from ordinary Kenyans and other well-wishers.
