Collage of Former President Uhuru Kenyatta alongside Presidential aspirant Fred Matiangi and PPK Party leader Ndindi Nyoro/SCREENGRABFormer President Uhuru Kenyatta has poked fun at the ‘sponyo’ nickname, referring to himself by the moniker during a funeral in Murang’a County.
Uhuru made the remarks on Friday while addressing mourners at the funeral of Christine Waruguru Kariuki in Kiharu, Murang’a County.
The retired president lightened the otherwise sombre mood among mourners as he explained why he chose to read a prepared condolence message, attributing the decision to what he described as media misinterpretation of his words, which he said had made his life “dangerous.”
“Usually me I speak off cuff, but these days life is becoming quite dangerous for me, so I have decided before the media goes to misinterpret my words, wacha nisome ile niko nayo,” Uhuru said.
He then proceeded to read his letter of condolence to the family of the late Kariuki.
The former President later went back to the lighter moment after finishing the message, making a direct reference to the nickname that has been used by some of his political opponents.
“Asanteni sana, ni hayo machache kutoka kwa ‘sponyo’ tutaonana na tunaendelea kuwa pamoja,” Uhuru said, drawing laughter from the gathering.
‘Sponyo’ is a political nickname derived from the word “sponsor” and has been previously used in political circles to refer to individuals perceived to bankroll political activities.
Uhuru concluded his address by thanking the mourners and reaffirming his association with those gathered.
His remarks came as he attended the funeral alongside former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and People’s Party of Kenya leader Ndindi Nyoro.
The three leaders joined the Kariuki family, relatives, friends and other mourners in paying their final respects to the deceased.
On his part, Nyoro reaffirmed his commitment to improving the country’s situation, which he described as deplorable.
Among the proposals he outlined were free primary and secondary education from January 2028, reducing the national debt and improving access to healthcare.
Uhuru's sentiments came amid sustained attacks from a section of political leaders who have previously accused him of funding political factions ahead of the 2027 general election.
The convergence of Uhuru, Matiang’i and Nyoro nevertheless provides another visible moment in the changing political relationships taking shape in Central Kenya as parties and leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 general election.
