KITALE, Kenya – Former President Uhuru Kenyatta says he has no interest in returning to elective politics and insists Kenyans, not political sponsors, will decide who leads the country in 2027.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has dismissed claims that he is sponsoring opposition politicians against President William Ruto, saying he has no intention of returning to active politics.
Speaking in Kitale during the memorial service for former Vice-President Michael Kijana Wamalwa, Uhuru said he had completed his 10-year tenure as Kenya’s president and was not seeking any political office.
The former president said the decision on Kenya’s next leader rests with voters and not individual political actors.
“It’s the people who will decide. If they say it is Kalonzo, Ruto, Matiang’i, or Sifuna, it will be so.”
Uhuru said he did not want to be portrayed as a political sponsor, maintaining that his position was that Kenyans should exercise their democratic right to choose their leaders.
“I don’t want to be called a sponsor; I have just said the power belongs to the people,” he said.
Uhuru dismisses return-to-politics claims
The former president also rejected suggestions that he was preparing to return to elective politics ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Uhuru, who served as Kenya’s fourth president between 2013 and 2022, said he was satisfied with the time he had spent serving the country.
“People should not say that I am engaging in politics. I don’t have any interest in any seat,” he said.
He urged Kenyans not to allow political competition to divide them, saying the decision on who will govern the country should ultimately be made by voters.
“It is time for other people, and Kenyans will decide. Do not agree to be divided,” Kenyatta said.
His remarks came amid increasingly heated political exchanges ahead of the August 2027 General Election.
Ruto, allies accuse Uhuru of backing opposition
President Ruto has in recent weeks linked his predecessor to efforts to organise political formations challenging his administration ahead of the 2027 election.
During a rally in Eldoret on August 13, Ruto questioned Uhuru’s record in areas including affordable housing, universal health coverage and education while accusing him of organising political proxies.
“When you look at those people, didn’t their sponsor fail at matters of affordable housing?”
Ruto further alleged that Uhuru had shifted from the role of a former head of state to active political opposition.
Uhuru’s latest comments represent a direct rejection of those allegations, with the former president insisting that he does not intend to seek another political position.
Uhuru urges opposition to unite
While distancing himself from claims of sponsoring opposition parties, Uhuru urged opposition leaders to work together ahead of the 2027 election.
He said politicians seeking the presidency should respect one another and find a way of presenting a united front if they want to offer Kenyans an alternative government.
“Everybody can say they want to be president, but God only decides on one.”
Uhuru said opposition leaders should prioritise unity and national progress rather than allowing competition for the presidential ticket to divide them.
“But if they want progress they should look for a way to come together and respect each other,” he added.
His remarks come as several opposition leaders position themselves for the 2027 presidential contest, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
The opposition has yet to settle on a single presidential candidate, with negotiations and political realignments continuing ahead of the election.
