Kurudia makosa ndiyo shida’: Uhuru’s cryptic 2027 message to Mt Kenya

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has warned Mt Kenya residents against “repeating mistakes” as the region weighs its political direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during the burial service of Martha Karua’s father, Jackson Karua, Uhuru appeared to caution residents against making the same political choices they made in the last election.

Uhuru, however, stopped short of directly naming his critics or openly telling mourners whom to support, instead framing his remarks as a question to the community.

“Unajua, mimi ni tu swali nimeuliza,” Uhuru said.

He then spoke about the consequences of repeating past mistakes, leaving the audience to draw its own conclusions.

“Unajua mtu kufanya makosa hajui ni makosa gani amefanya lakini kurudia ni makosa,” he said.

Uhuru added that residents were free to make their own decision if they believed repeating the same choice was appropriate.

“Lakini kama nyinyi mnajua mkirudia si ni shauri yenu,” he said.

He then repeated his warning, in what appeared to be a reference to the political choices made in the 2022 presidential election.

“Mimi nimesema kurudia makosa ndiyo shida,” Uhuru said.

The remarks come as political activity in Mt Kenya intensifies ahead of the 2027 elections, with leaders seeking to influence the region’s position and preferred political alliances.

The former President has increasingly spoken about the need for the region to learn from its past political decisions, although he has not publicly declared a preferred presidential candidate for 2027

His comments also come against the backdrop of renewed political exchanges between him and his critics.

Critics have repeatedly questioned his perceived involvement in opposition politics, while Uhuru has dismissed claims that he is seeking a political comeback.

In recent remarks, Uhuru said he was not looking for any political position and was satisfied with his record in public service.

“Mimi hakuna kitu natafuta, mimi natosheka, nashukuru Mungu kwa nafasi amenipatia,” he said.

He has also rejected claims that he is acting as a political sponsor or rebel leader, saying his main concern was Kenya’s progress.

The latest remarks place Uhuru back at the centre of the debate over Mt Kenya’s political direction, even as he maintained that he was merely asking residents a question.

The 2022 election remains a significant reference point in the region’s current political debate. The presidential election was won with 7,176,141 votes against Raila Odinga’s 6,942,930, according to the final results announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

The election was subsequently challenged at the Supreme Court, which unanimously dismissed the petitions seeking to overturn the result.

As the 2027 contest approaches, political leaders from across the divide have intensified efforts to court Mt Kenya, a key voting bloc whose political alliances could influence the shape of the next election..

Uhuru's latest message, delivered without naming his critics, left the decision with the residents.

“Kama nyinyi mnajua mkirudia si ni shauri yenu,” he said.