‘Mimi sitaki kuitwa sponsor’ – Uhuru declares amid cheers in Kitale
By Ascah Mwango, August 23, 2026Former President Uhuru Kenyatta drew loud cheers in Kitale on Sunday after mentioning Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna while speaking about the right of Kenyans to choose their preferred leaders in the 2027 General Election.
The moment came during the 23rd memorial service of former Vice President Michael Kijana Wamalwa at the Wamalwa family home in Milimani, Kitale, where Uhuru was the chief guest.
Uhuru spoke about democracy and the importance of allowing Kenyans to freely choose their leaders when he mentioned several politicians who could be seeking votes in the 2027 election.
“Wakenya wako na haki ya kujichagulia viongozi wanaopenda. Na mimi niko hapa kusimamia hiyo haki,” Uhuru told the gathering.
He then linked the principle of democratic choice to Wamalwa and others who had fought for democratic ideals in Kenya.
“We are a democratic society and those democratic ideals were fought for hard by the men, among others, whom we honour today,” he said.
Uhuru went on to urge politicians to seek votes peacefully.
“Kwa hivyo, tuombe kura kwa amani. Wakisema wanataka Kalonzo, ni Kalonzo, wakisema wanataka Ruto ni Ruto, wakisema wanataka Matiang’i, ni Matiang’i, wakitaka Sifuna, ni Sifuna.”
The mention of Sifuna was immediately followed by loud cheers from the crowd.
Uhuru responded to the reaction with a remark that has since drawn attention because of recent statements by President William Ruto about the former president and opposition politicians.
“Mimi sitaki kuitwa sponsor,” Uhuru said.
He then reiterated his position on the right of voters to choose their leaders.
“Wakenya wako na uwezo wa kuchagua viongozi wao,” he declared.
The exchange was brief, but it became one of the most notable moments of the memorial because Sifuna’s name received a particularly strong reaction from the gathering.
‘Sponsor’
Uhuru’s use of the word “sponsor” came against the backdrop of recent political statements by President William Ruto concerning his predecessor and opposition politicians.
Ruto has publicly accused Uhuru of supporting opposition political activities ahead of the 2027 General Election and has specifically mentioned Sifuna in some of his remarks.
On August 15, while speaking in Bungoma, Ruto referred to Sifuna while challenging Uhuru over what he described as his support for opposition politicians. Ruto told Uhuru to provide the politicians he was allegedly supporting with sufficient money for their political activities.
The remarks were part of Ruto’s wider criticism of opposition mobilisation ahead of the 2027 election.
Sifuna has rejected the claims that Uhuru is financing him or the Linda Mwananchi movement. The Nairobi senator has maintained that the movement is supported by contributions from its supporters.
Sifuna and the 2027 Race
Sifuna has become an increasingly prominent figure in political activities linked to the Linda Mwananchi movement and has been involved in political mobilisation in different parts of the country.
His name has also featured in discussions about the 2027 presidential contest.
In July, leaders associated with the movement endorsed Sifuna as their preferred presidential candidate during a political meeting in Trans Nzoia County.
The Nairobi senator has since continued to participate in political activities outside Nairobi, including engagements in Western Kenya.
His growing political profile has attracted criticism from politicians allied to the government, with some questioning his political backing and the source of resources supporting his activities.