The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta made a light-hearted remark on Sunday addressing claims that link him to the sponsorship of the Linda Mwananchi movement, after supporters erupted in cheers upon hearing him mention Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna during the memorial service for former Vice President Michael Kijana Wamalwa in Kitale.
Uhuru was in the process of naming various political leaders while emphasizing that the choice of Kenya’s next president ultimately rests with voters in the 2027 General Election, stressing that Kenyans would be free to elect whoever they preferred.
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However, when he mentioned Sifuna’s name, the crowd broke into loud cheers and ululations, prompting Uhuru to caution attendees against feeding speculation that he was politically backing the senator. Speaking in Kiswahili, he jokingly asked the crowd to be careful, saying he did not want to be labelled a “sponsor” — a comment that drew laughter from the gathering.
The remark appeared to reference the ongoing political debate sparked by claims from President William Ruto and several of his allies that Uhuru is financing opposition politicians, including figures linked to the Linda Mwananchi movement. Ruto has repeatedly accused Uhuru of backing politicians positioning themselves against his re-election bid, often describing Sifuna and other opposition figures as being tied to the former President.
Sifuna, however, has consistently rejected claims that Uhuru is bankrolling the Linda Mwananchi movement, insisting the group is sustained through contributions from ordinary Kenyans and other well-wishers rather than any single financier.
Uhuru’s comments came during the 23rd memorial service for Wamalwa, held in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, where political leaders gathered to honour the late Vice President’s legacy. The brief, lighthearted exchange offered a moment of levity during the service, as Uhuru reinforced his point that regardless of which political figures are currently positioning themselves ahead of 2027, the ultimate decision on the country’s leadership rests with the electorate.
The former President’s “sponsor” comment is likely to reignite ongoing political debate over his alleged involvement in funding opposition activities — allegations that both Uhuru and leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement have consistently denied.
