Key Message Uhuru Asked MP Maina Njeri 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, saw former President Uhuru Kenyatta ask Maina Njeri to repeat a message she had delivered on the need for opposition unity ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Njeri had called on opposition leaders seeking the presidency to set aside their differences and agree on a single candidate to face President William Ruto.

After Uhuru asked her to repeat the message, Njeri turned to the crowd and asked: “Should I repeat or not?”

The crowd responded in the affirmative, prompting her to restate her message.

“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,” she said.

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

Njeri urged the leaders to stop fighting among themselves, saying their focus should be on presenting a united challenge in the 2027 election.

“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 said.

She then handed the microphone back to Uhuru, who responded: “For those who have ears, let them listen.”

The exchange took place during the burial of Mwalimu Jackson Karua at his family home in Kathande, Gichugu Constituency, Kirinyaga County.

Several opposition leaders attended the burial, including 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.

The remarks come as political leaders position themselves ahead of the August 2027 General Election, with the question of whether the opposition will unite behind a single presidential candidate remaining a key issue.

Uhuru, who has previously been accused by President Ruto of sponsoring the opposition, also said during the event that he was not seeking any political position.

“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.

He said he was grateful for the opportunity to serve as president and that his only desire was to see a better Kenya.

KaranjaGituire [email protected]