Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has said he has become increasingly cautious about speaking off the cuff, citing concerns that his public remarks could be misinterpreted by the media. Uhuru made the remarks on Friday, September 18, while attending the burial of Christine Waruguru Kariuki in Gikuu, Kiharu Constituency, Murang’a County. The former President told mourners that he had opted to read a prepared condolence message instead of delivering an impromptu speech, which he said had been his usual style.

“Usually, me, I speak off-cuff, but these days life is becoming quite dangerous for me. So I have decided before the media goes to misinterpret my words,” Uhuru said.

He subsequently read a brief condolence message dedicated to the family of the late Christine Waruguru Kariuki, who was the mother of former State House Comptroller George Kariuki.

Uhuru described Waruguru as a member of a generation of Kenyan women whose contribution to their families and communities had often received limited recognition. He also highlighted her resilience and business efforts during her lifetime. Despite his decision to avoid unscripted political remarks, Uhuru ended his address with a light-hearted reference to the “Sponyo” nickname that has featured in recent exchanges involving him and President William Ruto. The former President appeared to embrace the label, which is derived from the word “sponsor” and has been used by Ruto and his allies when accusing Uhuru of supporting or financing opposition political activities.

“Ni hayo machache kutoka Sponyo… We will meet again and we will continue working together,” Uhuru said, drawing laughter from mourners.

The remark came a day after Ruto criticised his predecessor during a public address in Homa Bay, where he accused Uhuru of backing opposition figures and political activities against his administration. Ruto has previously alleged that Uhuru is involved in efforts to undermine his government. Those claims remain part of an ongoing political exchange between the two leaders. Uhuru’s remarks at the funeral, however, largely remained focused on the bereaved family.

Uhuru attended the burial alongside former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro. Their joint appearance comes amid increased political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election. Nyoro and Matiang’i have recently appeared together at public events while calling for greater cooperation among opposition leaders. Nyoro also defended Uhuru on Thursday, September 17, urging Ruto to respect the former President.

“We want President Uhuru Kenyatta to be respected in this Kenya,” Nyoro said.

Uhuru did not directly address those political exchanges during Friday’s funeral. Instead, he limited his formal remarks to the condolence message before ending with the “Sponyo” reference. The former President’s comments also come as scrutiny of statements attributed to political leaders intensifies. On Friday, fact-checking organisation Africa Check separately debunked a fabricated quote circulating online that purported to show Uhuru rejecting Matiang’i’s presidential ambitions and endorsing Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.