Nyandarua Senator John Methu and former President Uhuru during the burial of People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua’s father, Mwalimu Jackson Karua, in Kirinyaga on Saturday, October 3, 2026/XNyandarua Senator John Methu on Saturday cheekily asked former President Uhuru Kenyatta to embrace his “sponyo” nickname by giving the public something to associate with it.
Methu made the light-hearted remarks while offering condolences at the burial of Mwalimu Jackson Karua, father of People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua, in Kirinyaga County.
As he addressed mourners, Methu turned to Uhuru, who was among those attending the funeral, and joked about the name that has featured in political exchanges.
“Your excellency wa nne wa Jamhuri ya Kenya, Mheshimiwa Uhuru Kenyatta ambaye siku hizi naskia uko na jina mpywa unaitwa sponyo,” Methu said.
He then questioned why Uhuru was being referred to by the nickname if he had not given the public anything to associate with it.
“Lakini mimi sponyo nauliza, unaitwa sponyo kwa sababu unaambiwa unatupatia vitu, na haijafika kwa chama yetu, si utupatie tu haina shida,” Methu said.
He added: “Ndio ukiitwa sponyo uitwe ukiwa guilty, usiitwe kama hujatupatia kitu.”
Uhuru was seen laughing as Methu made the remarks, with the crowd also reacting to the exchange.
The former president also acknowledged the nickname while responding to remarks.
He said he was not concerned by the names used to describe him, including “sponsor”, “rebel leader” and “mlevi”.
“Naskia wengine hapa walikua, mimi naskia tu, mimi ni mtu wa kuskiza kwa sababu mimi hakuna kitu natafuta, mimi nimetosheka, nashukuru Mungu kwa hile nafasi amenipatia. Mimi nasema ata wakinitukana, waniite sponsor, rebel leader, mlevi, sijui kesho wataniita nini, ni sawa,” Uhuru said.
Uhuru said those engaging in such name-calling were wasting their time because he was not seeking anything.
“You are wasting your time na mtu ambaye hakuna kitu anatafuta,” he said.
He also called for restraint, saying, “Tusitusiane,” while criticising people who condemn insults in church before allegedly returning to insult others outside church.
The exchange comes after Uhuru similarly poked fun at the “sponyo” nickname during a funeral in Kiharu, Murang’a County, on September 18. The nickname, derived from “sponsor”, has been used in political circles in reference to claims that Uhuru funds some opposition parties and individuals.
Other leaders present at Mwalimu Karua’s burial included Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i and PPK party leader Ndindi Nyoro.Nyandarua Senator John Methu, former President Uhuru and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna during the burial of People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua’s father, Mwalimu Jackson Karua, in Kirinyaga on Saturday, October 3, 2026/XNyandarua Senator John Methu, former President Uhuru and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna during the burial of People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua’s father, Mwalimu Jackson Karua, in Kirinyaga on Saturday, October 3, 2026/XNyandarua Senator John Methu, former President Uhuru during the burial of People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua’s father, Mwalimu Jackson Karua, in Kirinyaga on Saturday, October 3, 2026/X