Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has joked that his life is becoming “too dangerous”, as he responded to renewed political attacks from President William Ruto and his allies.
Speaking during a burial ceremony in Gikuu, Kiharu Sub-County, on Friday, September 18, Uhuru said he had decided to avoid making spontaneous remarks because he feared his words could be misinterpreted by the media.
“Usually I speak off the cuff, and these days life is becoming too dangerous for me. So I have decided, before the media goes to misinterpret my words, to read my condolences,” Uhuru said.
The former President then appeared to turn the “sponsor” label directed at him into a joke, ending his remarks by referring to himself as “the sponsor”.
His comments came a day after President William Ruto renewed his criticism of his predecessor during a political rally in Sindo, Homa Bay County.
Ruto accused Uhuru of sponsoring opposition figures and activities aimed at undermining his administration. He also revisited the political relationship between the two leaders, claiming that he had supported Uhuru during four election campaigns and expected the former President to reciprocate when he later sought the presidency.
Ruto said the two had allegedly agreed to support each other for two presidential terms each, but claimed Uhuru did not honour the arrangement.
“I stood with you, helped you, and worked for you. When time came for you to help me, you did not go as we had agreed,” Ruto said.
Ruto also accused Uhuru of undermining his administration and organising demonstrations against the government, while urging the retired President to respect the office he previously held.
Uhuru’s latest remarks did not directly address the allegations. Instead, he used humour to acknowledge the “sponsor” tag while keeping his condolence speech focused on the bereaved family.
The former President has recently faced increased attention over his continued involvement in Kenya’s political affairs. His remarks also come days after he announced that he would comply with a High Court ruling concerning the leadership of the Jubilee Party.
In a statement issued on September 15, Uhuru said the court decision had cleared the way for the transition of Jubilee’s leadership in accordance with the law.
The latest exchange adds another chapter to the increasingly public political differences between the former President and his successor as Kenya heads towards the 2027 General Election.
At the burial ceremony, Uhuru was accompanied by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
About the Author
