Sponsor’, ‘rebel leader’, ‘mlevi’: Uhuru tells critics, ‘You’re wasting your time’

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has responded to critics who have linked him to sponsoring political activities, saying he has no interest in seeking any political position and is satisfied with his record in public service.

Uhuru said he was not bothered by remarks directed at him, including being labelled a “sponsor” and “rebel leader”, saying those criticising him were wasting their time because he was not pursuing any personal political ambition.

Speaking Saturday during the funeral of PLP leader Martha Karua's father in Kirinyaga, Uhuru said he would not be distracted by claims that he was sponsoring political activities or seeking to influence the country's leadership.

His remarks come days after critics appeared to respond to comments Uhuru made on the 2022 presidential election.

Last week, the critics warned leaders against appearing at public gatherings while drunk and making what they described as confused or incoherent remarks.

The critics did not mention Uhuru by name, but remarks were widely seen as a response to the retired President's assertion that he remained convinced that opposition leader Raila Odinga had won the 2022 presidential election.

Some politicians have also recently publicly described Uhuru as a “sponsor” and “rebel leader” in relation to ongoing political activities taking shape in the country ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Responding to the remarks, Uhuru said he had nothing to gain from the political battles and was simply grateful for the opportunity he received to serve Kenya.

“Mimi nasikia wengine hapo na mimi ni kusikia tu. Mimi hakuna kitu natafuta, mimi natosheka, nashukuru Mungu kwa nafasi amenipatia,” Uhuru said.

He said his critics could continue giving him different labels, but maintained that their remarks would not change his position.

“Hata wakinitukana, wakiniita sponsor, rebel leader, mlevi, sijui hata kesho wataniita nini,” he said.

Uhuru said he was not bothered by the claims and would instead watch his critics and laugh.

Mimi nawaangalia tu, nacheka na nawaambia, ‘you're wasting your time’ na mtu hatafuti kitu,” he said.

The retired President said he was satisfied with what he had accomplished during his time in office and had no political position to pursue.

“Mimi sina chochote ninachotafuta. Hata wakinitukana na kuniita sponsor, mimi hakuna kitu natafuta, sina kitu ya mtu,” he said.

He said his concern remained the welfare and progress of the country rather than the political criticism being directed at him.

“I am satisfied na yale nilifanya,” Uhuru said.

He also appeared to question the conduct of leaders who criticise their political opponents before going to church and preaching against insults.

“Na cha kushangaza ni kwamba wanapotukana, baadaye wanaenda kanisani kusema ni vibaya kuwatukana wengine. Kutoka kanisa ako mbele kutukana wengine,” he said.

Uhuru's comments come as political alignments continue to take shape ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Uhuru said he would not be drawn into a political contest with his critics, maintaining that he was grateful for the chance to serve Kenya.

He said whatever names his critics chose to call him, his focus remained on the country's future.