Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has fired back at the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) over allegations that he is funding political movements within the opposition,.
Speaking on Sunday, August 23, 2026, during the 23rd memorial service for former Vice President Michael Kijana Wamalwa in Trans Nzoia, Uhuru urged UDA allies to stop using his name to score political points.
“I don’t want to be called a ‘sponsor’, for those who are asking for votes, they should do so in peace. Kenyans will choose whoever they want. If they say they want Sifuna, they will choose Sifuna,” Uhuru said.
Uhuru’s remarks follow comments made on Thursday, August 13, during a public forum in Eldoret City, Uasin Gishu County, where President William Ruto appeared to imply that the former head of state was acting as a financial backer behind opposition figures.
address supporters in Mumias Town on August 9, 2026. photo | Edwin Sifuna on x
The claims gained further traction after ODM National Director of Elections Junet Mohamed alleged that Uhuru played a role in internal ODM fractures that emerged following Raila Odinga’s passing.
Deputy Party Leader Wycliffe Oparanya and other ODM figures aligned with the UDA partnership echoed these allegations.
Meanwhile, leaders from Western Kenya linked to the executive made similar points, even as ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga maintained there is no turning back from the party’s broad-based pact with the ruling party.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei offered a sharper critique, describing Sifuna as a political newcomer being “fattened for a big slaughter”
In response, Uhuru defended the constitutional right of every Kenyan to associate with any political movement, emphasizing that freedom of choice is the bedrock of the country’s democracy.
“Kijana Wamalwa, Martha Karua, and others fought for the democracy and freedom that Kenyans enjoy today something I stand on right now,” Uhuru stated.
“There is no one who will stop us from enjoying the freedom we fought for. We have the freedom to stand with any political party that we choose.”
Reflecting on his relationship with the late Kijana Wamalwa during the administration of President Daniel arap Moi, Uhuru recalled him as a statesman and a leader who prioritized national unity and principled politics.
in commemorating the 23rd anniversary of the passing of the late Vice President Michael
Kijana Wamalwa, who died on 23 August 2003. photo | office of the 4th president on X
Former President H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta alongside Eugine Wamalwa in Trans Nzoia, Kitale, in commemorating the 23rd anniversary of the passing of the late Vice President Michael Kijana Wamalwa, who died on 23 August 2003.
