“HATA MNIITE SPONYO”: UHURU RESPONDS TO POLITICAL LABEL WITH BOLD MESSAGE

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has addressed the “Sponyo” label repeatedly used against him, saying he remains free to make his own political choices regardless of the names attached to him.

Speaking in Nairobi on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, Uhuru said he was still a member of the Jubilee Party and questioned why people should be insulted or pressured over their political opinions. 

“Mimi bado ni mwana Jubilee, mnaona kofia yangu. Wananiita majina huko, sponyo sijui nini. Ni maoni yangu, si kila mtu ako na uhuru ya kuamua?” Uhuru said. 

He added that Kenyans should be allowed to make political decisions without being threatened, attacked or pressured to support particular leaders.

The former president also referred to his political experience in 2002, when he said he sought support but was rejected by voters. He used the experience to illustrate that citizens ultimately have the freedom to decide who they want to support. 

How ‘Sponyo’ became part of the political debate
The nickname has featured prominently in recent political exchanges involving Uhuru and President William Ruto.

Ruto and his allies have used the term in connection with allegations that Uhuru is supporting or financing opposition activities. These are political claims and have been disputed by Uhuru. 

Uhuru had already appeared to embrace the nickname several days earlier. During the September 18 burial of Christine Waruguru Kariuki in Gikuu, Kiharu, Murang’a County, he ended his remarks by referring to himself as “Sponyo,” prompting laughter from mourners. 

At the Nairobi event, however, his remarks went beyond humour. Uhuru argued that political differences should not result in intimidation, violence or the use of money to influence people.
He said he was prepared to support political choices regardless of what name people used to describe him. 

Uhuru’s latest comments come as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election, with different parties and political figures discussing alliances and positioning themselves for the contest.

While the former president has continued to participate in political discussions, his remarks have focused on the right of Kenyans to make their own political choices rather than directly responding to every accusation made against him.

The “Sponyo” label has therefore moved from being a political taunt into a term Uhuru himself has publicly acknowledged and, on occasion, used humorously.