Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has issued a pointed warning to his Kikuyu community and broader supporters as Kenya gears up for the high-stakes 2027 general elections.
In a recent address, Uhuru urged voters not to be swayed by campaign handouts, emphasizing strategic voting over short-term financial gains.
“The elections are coming, don’t say I didn’t warn you. The politicians will bring you money. Take the money because it’s your money. There is no problem in eating the money, but when it comes to voting, make the right choice,” Uhuru declared.
This candid advice reflects his deep concern over potential manipulation through cash handouts, a common feature in Kenyan politics. He predicts that rival camps, particularly those linked to the current administration, will flood the region with funds to secure loyalty. However, Uhuru stresses that accepting these resources should not translate into blind allegiance at the ballot box.
Political analysts view Uhuru’s intervention as a strategic move to reclaim influence within the Jubilee Party structures and consolidate opposition forces under the Azimio coalition.
After the fallout with his former deputy President William Ruto, Uhuru has positioned himself as a kingmaker, quietly rebuilding alliances while cautioning against repeating past mistakes.
The Kikuyu community, which overwhelmingly backed the Kenya Kwanza ticket in 2022, now faces internal divisions and uncertainty.
Many feel the promised economic benefits have not fully materialized, creating fertile ground for Uhuru’s message to resonate.
Uhuru’s warning highlights broader risks ahead of 2027, including heightened ethnic mobilization, voter bribery, and possible post-election tensions. He foresees intensified campaigns that could exploit economic vulnerabilities in rural Mt. Kenya areas.
By openly discussing the “eating” of campaign money while insisting on wise voting, the former president is empowering his base to separate immediate survival needs from long-term political interests.
This approach could prevent wholesale defection and maintain a unified front against perceived adversaries.As the election clock ticks, Uhuru’s words serve as both a cautionary tale and a call to vigilance.
They underscore the enduring power of ethnic blocs in Kenyan politics and the challenges of breaking cycles of transactional voting. Whether the Kikuyu voters heed this advice will significantly shape the political landscape in 2027, potentially determining if old alliances hold or new power centers emerge.
The coming months promise fierce contestation, with Uhuru’s influence likely playing a decisive behind-the-scenes role.