Message Uhuru Asked MP Njeri Maina to Repeat at Karua's Father's Burial

A light moment during the burial of Mwalimu Jackson Karua, father of People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua, unfolded when former President Uhuru Kenyatta asked Kirinyaga Woman Rep Njeri Maina to repeat her call for opposition leaders to unite ahead of the 2027 General Election.

During the event on Saturday, October 3, Njeri had appealed to politicians seeking the presidency to put aside their differences and settle on a single candidate who would challenge President William Ruto in the election.

After Uhuru asked her to repeat her remarks, Njeri turned to mourners and posed a question, "Should I repeat or not?"

The crowd encouraged her to go ahead, prompting Njeri to deliver the message again.

"For those vying for the Presidency, from Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, Edwin Sifuna, Fred Matiang’i and others in the United Opposition, I am telling you if it will take you entering a room for a face-off, and even if it means you fighting each other in that room, that is okay.

"But we want once you leave that room, you give us one candidate who will take President William Ruto home," she said.

Njeri said opposition leaders should end their internal disagreements and concentrate on presenting a united political front as the country heads towards the 2027 polls.

"The Kenyan citizens have spoken. They want us to stop infighting. Let us not fight each other. Our enemy is common, and all we want is one candidate to face him in 2027," she added.

Njeri subsequently returned the microphone to Uhuru, who responded with a brief message directed at those present.

"For those who have ears, let them listen," the former President said.

The funeral brought together several opposition figures, among them Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i, Mwananchi Party leader Babu Owino and Siaya Governor James Orengo.

Uhuru used the occasion to dismiss suggestions that he was pursuing another political position, saying his interest was not in seeking office.

"There is nothing that I am looking for. Whether you call me names and abuse me, you are wasting your time because there is nothing I am looking for politically," he said.

This comes days after Uhuru responded to Ruto over labelling him a 'sponsor' of the Opposition and terming him a rebel leader.

Speaking on Tuesday, September 22, he said that he will not be cowed into keeping quiet about his political views, adding that it was his democratic right.

Uhuru added that his opinions remained his own and that he had not forced any Kenyan to adopt his school of thought. Uhuru demanded respect from those dragging his name during rallies.

"I am not afraid. I will speak my truth. They can abuse me or do whatever they please. They are calling me sponyo, AKA rebel leader. Is it wrong to speak my mind in a democratic country?

"Have I forced anyone to adopt my opinions? They are just my personal opinions, and everyone will make their own decision. Tuheshimiane!" he reiterated.

Uhuru slammed Ruto over accusations that he sabotaged the Kenya Kwanza administration and funded rebellion against him.

He maintained that he had no intention of doing so, and reminded the Head of State that he handed over power to him peacefully despite not agreeing with the results of the election and the presidential election petition.

"We handed over to them all instruments of power in broad daylight, yet after four years they are still dragging my name everywhere.

"Were you given power to speak about the people or blame Uhuru? You know, when something is not working, people give excuses, but Kenyans are bright; they know," he added.