{
  "id": 2784927,
  "title": "Uhuru breaks silence following Ruto’s claims he is sponsoring opposition activities",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/uhuru-breaks-silence-following-rutos-claims-he-is-sponsoring",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-23T12:01:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "People Daily Kenya",
    "slug": "people-daily-kenya",
    "url": "https://peopledaily.digital/inside-politics/uhuru-breaks-silence-following-rutos-claims-he-is-sponsoring-opposition-activities"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has emphasized that Kenyans must independently choose their preferred political leaders in the 2027 general election, rejecting any attempts to force voters into supporting a specific political side. His remarks were made during a memorial service for former Vice-President Michael Kijana Wamalwa in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County. The comments came amid growing political debate surrounding accusations that Uhuru may be sponsoring opposition activities and providing financial support to groups seeking to challenge the ruling government in the upcoming election. At the memorial service, Uhuru jokingly dismissed claims that he is a political 'sponsor', stating, \"I don't want to be called a sponsor. I want to do many things.\" He then shifted his focus to the crucial role of voters in determining the country's political leadership, asserting, \"I have said that it is up to whom? It is up to whom? And there is no need to force any Kenyan to go this way or that way. The Kenyan people will decide for themselves.\" Uhuru's remarks address the allegations made by President William Ruto, who has repeatedly called Uhuru an opposition 'sponsor' and accused him of backing political figures against the administration. Ruto has questioned the funding of opposition candidates, specifically mentioning Affordable Housing, Universal Health Coverage, and his own plans for supporting the youth. Opposition figures, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, have also responded by stating that Uhuru does not provide financial assistance but instead encourages young people to engage in leadership. Uhuru's statements come as political parties and presidential candidates intensify their campaigns ahead of the 2027 election, with both government and opposition figures striving to build support. The former president did not announce support for any specific candidate during the memorial service, instead stressing that the decision over Kenya's political leadership ultimately rests with the voters.",
  "summary": "Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has said Kenyans will independently decide who to elect in the 2027 general election, saying no voter should be forced to support a particular political side. Uhuru made the remarks on Sunday, August 23, 2026, while speaking at a memorial service for former Vice-President Michael Kijana Wamalwa in Kitale, Trans Nzoia […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "People Daily Kenya",
        "title": "Sifuna mocks claims linking Uhuru to opposition funding",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/sifuna-mocks-claims-linking-uhuru-to-opposition-funding",
        "published": "2026-08-23T08:28:49.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "KahawaTungu",
        "title": "I’m Not a Sponsor: Uhuru Kenyatta Hits Back at Ruto Over Opposition Claims",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/im-not-a-sponsor-uhuru-kenyatta-hits-back-at-ruto-over-opposition",
        "published": "2026-08-23T12:39:39.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}