Former President Uhuru Kenyatta made a high-profile return to active political discourse, delivering a bold message to his Mount Kenya backyard ahead of the 2027 general election. He addressed mourners in Kirinyaga County during the burial of Mwalimu Jackson Karua, father to People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua. Uhuru embraced the opposition’s “WANTAM” single-term chant against President William Ruto’s administration.
Uhuru urged voters in the region not to repeat what he characterized as their 2022 electoral “mistake”. He revisited the bitter fallout of the 2022 election and reminded residents of his earlier warnings regarding the current leadership. The retired president asserted that 2027 offers an opportunity for voters to realign. He expressed happiness despite being ignored previously, stating that he had warned them about making the wrong decision.
Uhuru framed the upcoming election as a chance for self-correction. He asked Kirinyaga residents if they would make the same mistake and repeated his question, seeking a show of hands. He emphasized that a mistake is not a mistake unless it is repeated. The former president seemed to suggest that voters have the chance to correct their past errors in the upcoming election.
Uhuru dismissed the political jabs from Kenya Kwanza government officials who have repeatedly accused him of secretly funding opposition activities. He called for a focus on governance and expressed amusement at the criticism. The former president stated that he ignores the insults and instead focuses on more pressing issues.
The event where Uhuru made these remarks was the burial of Mwalimu Jackson Karua, father of PLP leader Martha Karua. This was a significant occasion, given the connections between Uhuru, Martha Karua, and the region. The attendance of several notable figures suggests that Uhuru's message may have significant resonance in the area.
Uhuru also referenced his past relationships with other prominent leaders, including late Raila Odinga. He mentioned that if he, Raila Odinga, and Martha Karua had united, Kenya would have made great progress. This statement highlights Uhuru's reflections on past political opportunities and alliances that could have shaped the country's trajectory.
The 2027 general election is shaping up to be a critical event, with Uhuru Kenyatta's statements indicating that he will play a role in shaping the political narrative. His call to voters in Mt Kenya to avoid repeating past mistakes will likely resonate with residents and influence their decisions in the upcoming election.
Key points
- Uhuru Kenyatta urges Mt Kenya voters not to repeat 2022 electoral mistake ahead of 2027 general election.
- The former president dismisses accusations of secretly funding opposition activities.
- Uhuru frames 2027 election as a chance for self-correction and realignment.
