Will Uhuru Kenyatta's political return break predecessors' tradition?

After leaving office, the second President led a private life where senior politicians and their successors would occasionally visit him for consulations on matters of national importance...
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Former President Uhuru Kenyatta's re-entry into active Kenyan politics has sparked a significant debate, dividing members of his Jubilee party and political observers. This move challenges the tradition of his predecessors, Daniel Moi and Mwai Kibaki, who adopted quiet retirements after leaving office.
- Supporters argue Uhuru Kenyatta, being younger and more energetic, has a constitutional right to political participation, drawing parallels to former U.S. President Barack Obama's continued political involvement.
- Critics believe his active role demeans his status as an elder statesman and peace envoy for conflicts in the DRC and Northern Ethiopia.
- The debate intensified after Kenyatta's criticism of the Ruto administration's policies, leading to accusations of undermining the current government from figures like Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
- Political analysts like Fanya Mambo Kinuthia and Barrack Muluka contend Uhuru Kenyatta's civil liberties allow him to demand better governance, while others, including former Starehe MP Maina Kamanda, warn of political attacks and a damaged legacy.
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Uhuru Kenyatta Returns to Politics as Gideon Moi Contests Baringo By-election - October 2025
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta's re-entry into active Kenyan politics has sparked a significant debate, dividing his Jubilee party and challenging the tradition of quiet retirement set by predecessors Daniel Moi and Mwai Kibaki. As Uhuru re-enters the political arena ahead of the 2027 elections, former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has become a significant figure. At the same time, the Kenya African National Union (KANU) has announced that its National Chairman, Gideon Moi, will contest the forthcoming Baringo Senatorial by-election. This marks Moi's return to the seat he previously held. His campaign will focus on inclusivity and service delivery.







