President Uhuru Kenyatta's move to express his comfort with a new political position in 2022 has caused ripples across the country.
In a video seen by Kenyans.co.ke on Saturday, November 16, Kenyatta told members of the Mt Kenya political caucus at a meeting in Sagana State Lodge that he would not mind a prime minster's position if it was handed to him.
“I do not know the contents of the BBI report yet I hear people claiming Uhuru Kenyatta wants to become the prime minister of Kenya. I wouldn’t mind being in leadership in such a post, though let us deal with the current situation first,” Uhuru was quoted.
His remarks are in sharp contrast to his past stance that he wasn't interested in power beyond 2022.
Speaking when he launched the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) station in Naivasha on October 16, Uhuru clarified that the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) is not meant to create positions as had been alleged by some politicians.
His statements at Sagana State Lodge, however, echo the sentiments of the Central Organisation of Trade Union (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli who has over time insisted that Uhuru was too young to retire.
During an interview on JKLive on Wednesday, October 23, Atwoli sensationally stated that Kenyatta had every chance to lead the country again and would walk over his deputy William Ruto and opposition leaders Raila Odinga, Musalia Mudavadi, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Moses Wetangula.
"In 1992, after we changed the constitution, Moi ruled for 10 more years. After the BBI, Kenyatta can say that he wants to be president as it will be a new outfit and new constitutional terms. The BBI will succeed. It's Kenya's only solution to bloodshed experienced after every election. Creating more positions will enhance a peaceful co-existence," Atwoli argued.
Uhuru's sentiments did not escape the eyes of Kenyans who reacted to the information by sharing their own understanding of the remarks.
"You need to know Uhuru will be our powerful prime minister. The presidency will be a ceremonial post!" Fred Wao commented.
"Uhuru used Ruto to win the presidency and get re-elected, he is done with him and wants to use Raila to get a powerful position of a prime minister. Once done, he will pick Gideon Moi," Gideon Kibinduki also reacted.
