Uhuru Kenyatta returns to political arena, backs ‘WANTAM’ campaign in Kirinyaga

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has made a notable return to Kenya’s political arena, urging voters in Mt Kenya to learn from what he described as the costly political decision they made in the 2022 General Election.

Speaking in Kirinyaga County on Saturday, October 3, 2026, Kenyatta openly backed the opposition’s campaign to prevent President William Ruto from securing a second term in 2027.

The former president used the gathering to remind residents of his warnings ahead of the 2022 election, arguing that the region ignored his advice at the time.

Uhuru revisits 2022 election

Kenyatta told residents that he had previously warned them about the political direction they were taking, saying the consequences of their decision were now theirs to bear.

“I am happy, even after you people refused to listen to me. That is upon you. When I told you, you were making the wrong decision, you all thought you knew better. I knew that if the Old Man, late Raila Odinga, and your daughter, Martha Karua, united, Kenya would have made great progress,” Uhuru said.

His remarks revived memories of the 2022 presidential contest, when he backed the Azimio la Umoja coalition led by Raila Odinga, with Martha Karua as his running mate.

The coalition ultimately lost to Ruto, who secured the presidency after defeating Odinga in the closely contested election.

Kenyatta backs ‘WANTAM’ push

Kenyatta also lent his support to the opposition’s “WANTAM” campaign, which calls for Ruto to serve only one presidential term.

He challenged Kirinyaga residents to consider whether they were prepared to repeat the political choice they made in 2022.

“A mistake is not a mistake unless it is repeated. Kirinyaga residents, will you make the same mistake? Kirinyaga residents, will you repeat the mistake? Let me see by a show of hands, so that they don’t accuse me of saying this. Sasa sijui ni makosa gani mlifanya, lakini kama nyinyi wenyewe mnajua, sasa si ni shauri yenu, ama nimesema aje?” he said.

The remarks drew a direct connection between the 2022 election and the emerging 2027 political contest.

Kenyatta’s intervention is particularly significant given his previous political partnership with Ruto. The two worked together for years before their relationship deteriorated and they eventually found themselves on opposing sides of the 2022 presidential race.

A renewed political intervention

Kenyatta’s appearance signals that he remains willing to play a role in shaping Mt Kenya’s political direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.

His renewed criticism of Ruto and endorsement of the “WANTAM” campaign could further intensify competition for influence in the region, where several political leaders are seeking to consolidate support ahead of the next election.