Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has responded to claims that he is sponsoring the Linda Mwananchi movement and opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during the memorial service for former Vice President Michael Kijana Wamalwa in Kitale on Sunday, August 23, Uhuru appeared to distance himself from allegations that he was financially backing Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other leaders associated with the movement.
Uhuru cautioned against describing him as a sponsor, making the remarks after mentioning Sifuna among several politicians whom Kenyans could choose to support in the next presidential election.
“Jameni chungeni. Mimi sitaki kuitwa sponsor bana. Mimi sitaki mambo mingi,” Uhuru said, in remarks that drew laughter from the gathering.
His comments came amid growing political debate over the activities of Linda Mwananchi, a movement that has brought together a section of opposition and reform-minded leaders ahead of the 2027 elections.
President William Ruto and several Kenya Kwanza leaders have previously alleged that Uhuru is behind the mobilisation of opposition politicians and is providing financial support for their activities. The former president's remarks in Kitale appeared aimed at rejecting the perception that he is directly financing the movement.
Instead, Uhuru stressed that Kenyan voters have the constitutional right to determine the leaders they want to elect.
He said Kenyans could choose among different political figures depending on their preferences, mentioning President Ruto, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i and Sifuna.
“Wakenya wana haki ya kujichagulia viongozi wanaowapenda,” Uhuru said, stressing that the ultimate decision should rest with voters.
The mention of Sifuna reportedly elicited cheers from the crowd, highlighting the growing political attention surrounding the Nairobi senator and the Linda Mwananchi movement.
Uhuru, however, maintained that his remarks should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any particular candidate or as evidence that he was sponsoring political activities.
The former president also used the occasion to call for peaceful political competition as the country moves closer to the 2027 elections.
He urged politicians to allow their opponents to campaign freely and cautioned leaders against treating political office as an entitlement.
Uhuru said politicians should instead approach the electorate with humility and allow voters to make their decisions without intimidation or obstruction.
The remarks come at a time when political alignments are increasingly taking shape ahead of the 2027 presidential contest, with parties and emerging movements seeking to consolidate support across different regions.
For Uhuru, the Kitale event was also an opportunity to reflect on Wamalwa's political legacy. He launched My Country First, a book documenting aspects of the life and contribution of the late former vice president.
While Uhuru has remained relatively measured in his public political interventions since leaving office, his continued appearances at major political and national events have attracted considerable attention.
His latest remarks are therefore likely to fuel further debate over his position in Kenya's emerging political realignments, particularly the growing opposition to Ruto's administration.
For now, however, Uhuru's message was that Kenyans—not political sponsors—should determine who leads the country in 2027.