Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday, September 18, 2026, appeared to embrace the “Sponyo” nickname used by President William Ruto and his allies, referring to himself by the tag while concluding his remarks at a funeral in Murang’a. Kenyatta was speaking during the burial of Christine Waruguru Kariuki in Gikuu, Kiharu Constituency, where he delivered a condolence message to the bereaved family before making the light-hearted reference. *“Ni hayo machache kutoka Sponyo… We will meet again and we will continue working together,” Kenyatta said, prompting laughter from mourners.* The deceased was the mother of former State House Comptroller George Kariuki. In his message, Kenyatta paid tribute to her generation of Kenyan women, highlighting their contribution to families and communities as well as her resilience and entrepreneurial efforts. **Uhuru reads prepared statement** Kenyatta told mourners that he had opted to deliver prepared remarks rather than speak off the cuff, citing concerns that his words could be misinterpreted or reported out of context. He subsequently read a condolence message focused on the life of the deceased and the role of mothers in supporting and shaping families and communities. His remarks largely avoided the political exchanges surrounding the “Sponyo” label, which has featured in recent criticism by Ruto and his allies over allegations that Kenyatta is supporting opposition activities. Kenyatta's closing reference to the nickname did not directly address those allegations. **Matiang’i and Nyoro attend burial** Kenyatta attended the funeral alongside former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and People’s Party of Kenya leader Ndindi Nyoro. Their appearance comes as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election, with various political leaders positioning themselves and discussing possible cooperation. Nyoro had a day earlier urged President Ruto to respect Kenyatta, arguing that the retired president should not be viewed as his political opponent. Kenyatta, however, did not dwell on the ongoing political exchanges during the funeral, choosing instead to focus his address on the deceased and her contribution to her family and community before ending with the “Sponyo” reference.