Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has appeared to embrace the political nickname “Sponyo” after jokingly using the term during a burial ceremony in Murang’a County.
Kenyatta made the light-hearted remark on Wednesday while addressing mourners at Gikuo Village in Kiharu, where he had attended the burial of Christine Waruguru, the mother of former State House Deputy Controller George Kariuki.
The former president largely stayed away from politics during his tribute to the late Waruguru. However, he sparked laughter among mourners when he ended his remarks by referring to himself as a “sponyo”.
The nickname has recently featured prominently in political discussions, particularly among supporters and critics of President William Ruto.
Ruto has repeatedly accused Kenyatta of supporting activities associated with opposition politicians.
During his recent five-day tour of the Luo Nyanza region, the President has continued to link his predecessor to opposition activities and political groupings, including the Linda Mwananchi movement.
Kenyatta’s decision to use the nickname himself appeared to turn the accusation into a moment of humour.
“Ni hayo machache kutoka sponyo, tutaonana tena,” Kenyatta said, drawing laughter from those present.
He delivered the statement with his characteristic laugh, further lightening the mood at the ceremony.
The former president’s remark comes at a time when political alignments ahead of the 2027 General Election are increasingly becoming a subject of public debate.
Kenyatta has maintained a relatively measured public profile since leaving office, but his name continues to feature heavily in political conversations surrounding the opposition and the Ruto administration.
President Ruto and his allies have repeatedly raised questions about the former president’s alleged involvement in opposition politics. Kenyatta, however, has generally avoided responding to every political accusation directed at him.
His latest comment was different because he appeared to deliberately play along with the “Sponyo” label rather than engage in a lengthy political response.
The joke has since added another layer to the ongoing political exchanges between Ruto’s camp and those associated with the opposition.
For Kenyans following the country’s rapidly changing political landscape, the remark is likely to generate further discussion about Kenyatta’s position and the possible political alliances that could emerge before the 2027 elections.
With political temperatures already rising, even seemingly casual comments from prominent political figures are attracting considerable attention.
Kenyatta’s “Sponyo” sign-off may have been delivered as a joke at a family burial ceremony, but its timing has ensured that the remark will be discussed far beyond Gikuo Village.
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