Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has made a significant return to Kenya's political arena, urging voters in Mt Kenya to learn from the 2022 General Election. Speaking in Kirinyaga County on Saturday, October 3, 2026, Kenyatta openly backed the opposition's campaign to prevent President William Ruto from securing a second term in 2027. This move marks a notable shift in Kenyatta's political stance, given his previous partnership with Ruto.
Kenyatta reminded residents of his warnings ahead of the 2022 election, arguing that the region ignored his advice at the time. He told residents that he had previously warned them about the political direction they were taking, saying the consequences of their decision were now theirs to bear. Kenyatta's remarks revived memories of the 2022 presidential contest, when he backed the Azimio la Umoja coalition led by Raila Odinga, with Martha Karua as his running mate.
The Azimio la Umoja coalition ultimately lost to Ruto, who secured the presidency after defeating Odinga in the closely contested election. Kenyatta's intervention is particularly significant given his previous political partnership with Ruto. The two worked together for years before their relationship deteriorated and they eventually found themselves on opposing sides of the 2022 presidential race.
Kenyatta also lent his support to the opposition's "WANTAM" campaign, which calls for Ruto to serve only one presidential term. He challenged Kirinyaga residents to consider whether they were prepared to repeat the political choice they made in 2022. Kenyatta's endorsement of the "WANTAM" campaign could further intensify competition for influence in the region, where several political leaders are seeking to consolidate support ahead of the next election.
The "WANTAM" campaign is gaining momentum, with many Kenyans expressing their desire for term limits for the presidency. Kenyatta's backing of the campaign is likely to resonate with voters in Mt Kenya, who are still reeling from the aftermath of the 2022 election. The former president's remarks drew a direct connection between the 2022 election and the emerging 2027 political contest.
Kenyatta's appearance signals that he remains willing to play a role in shaping Mt Kenya's political direction ahead of the 2027 General Election. His renewed criticism of Ruto and endorsement of the "WANTAM" campaign is likely to have significant implications for the region's politics. Several political leaders in Mt Kenya are seeking to consolidate support ahead of the next election, and Kenyatta's intervention is likely to be closely watched.
The implications of Kenyatta's return to politics are still unclear, but one thing is certain - the Mt Kenya region is set for a heated political battle ahead of the 2027 election. Kenyatta's backing of the "WANTAM" campaign and his criticism of Ruto are likely to polarize opinion in the region, with some voters welcoming his intervention and others rejecting it. The stage is set for a fascinating political drama in the lead-up to the 2027 election.
Key points
- Uhuru Kenyatta has backed the opposition's "WANTAM" campaign, which calls for President William Ruto to serve only one presidential term.
