Talai Elders Censure Uhuru Kenyatta for Supporting Ruto Critics, Say He Has Lost Their Backing
The Talai Forum has censured former President Uhuru Kenyatta for allegedly supporting leaders working against President William Ruto’s administration, declaring that he no longer enjoys the community’s support.
In a press statement issued on 13th August 2026 and signed by Chairman John Birech, the forum, which presents itself as the voice of the Talai Community, accused the former Head of State of going against the community’s wishes.
The forum cited Kenyatta’s association with leaders considered opponents of President Ruto, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
“The Talai Forum wishes to place on record its displeasure at the continued support by former President Uhuru Kenyatta for individuals working against the Government of H.E. President William Ruto, among them Hon. Rigathi Gachagua and Hon. Edwin Sifuna,” the statement said.
Birech recalled that when President Ruto sought the Talai’s blessing in his quest for the presidency, the community granted it as expected, just as it had done for Kenyatta during his own time in office.
“We remind former President Kenyatta that when President Ruto sought the Talai’s blessing in pursuit of the presidency, the Talai did as was expected of them and extended that blessing to him. The same blessing was extended to former President Kenyatta during his own tenure,” the statement reads.
The forum said it was a fundamental understanding at the time that President Ruto would be allowed to serve his full ten years, and called on Kenyatta to respect that pact.
“It was a fundamental undertaking, at the time the Talai’s blessing was offered, that President Ruto be allowed to complete his ten years in office as promised. The Talai call on former President Kenyatta to honour this understanding,” Birech stated.
The elders further admonished Kenyatta for what they described as betrayal of the community’s conviction.
“The Talai Forum admonishes former President Kenyatta for going against the wishes and conviction of the Talai in this matter, and condemns his continued support for the opponents of President Ruto,” the statement added.
In its strongest declaration, the forum announced it had withdrawn its cultural and political goodwill from the former President.
“The Talai Forum wishes to state clearly that, on account of his current conduct, former President Kenyatta no longer enjoys the support of the Talai,” the press release concludes.
The statement, stamped with the seal of the Talai Forum Chairman, comes as political temperatures rise, with Uhuru Kenyatta increasingly linked to the emerging opposition alliance that brings together Gachagua and other Azimio leaders.
