Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has warned Kenyans against repeating what he described as a political mistake ahead of the 2027 General Election, in an apparent message against President William Ruto’s re-election bid.
Speaking on Saturday, October 3, 2026, during the burial of Mwalimu Jackson Karua, father of People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua, at Mugumo Primary School in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, Uhuru revisited the 2022 presidential election and his decision to support Raila Odinga and Martha Karua.
Uhuru told residents that he had warned them before the 2022 election but they chose not to heed his advice.
He then turned his attention to the 2027 election, asking voters whether they were prepared to make what he termed the same mistake again.
“A mistake is not a mistake unless it is repeated.Kirinyaga residents, will you make the same mistake? Will you repeat the mistake?” Uhuru said.
The former President asked the crowd to respond by a show of hands, leaving residents to interpret the “mistake” in the context of the 2022 presidential vote.
Uhuru said he had previously believed that an alliance between the late Raila Odinga and Martha Karua could have taken Kenya in a different direction.
The remarks come as political activity gathers momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election, with opposition leaders increasingly discussing the possibility of presenting a united presidential front against Ruto.
The retired President also addressed criticism directed at him by supporters of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Uhuru said he was not seeking another political position and dismissed labels directed at him, including claims that he was a “sponsor” of opposition activities.
He said he was content with having served as President and would not be distracted by political attacks.
“Even if they insult me, and call me sponsor, rebel leader, drunkard or whatever they may call me tomorrow, I just look at them and laugh. You are wasting your time with someone who isn’t looking for anything,” Uhuru said.
