A former minister's spirited rant in defence of President Uhuru Kenyatta, on Saturday, December 21, landed him on a collision course with some of the region's leaders.
While speaking at the burial of businesswoman Perita Tabu at Mahanga Village in Lugari Sub-county, Former Forestry and Wildlife Minister Noah Wekesa stated that Uhuru was too young to retire.
He further added that a position should be created in government to accommodate the head of state and referenced his own life in politics as an elderly man.
“My predictions have never failed and let me tell you, President Kenyatta will continue to serve the country even after he finishes his two terms in office because he is still young.
"If at age 83, I am still in active politics, where should Uhuru retire to at age 60?" questioned the former minister.
According to a report by People Daily, his utterances led to a clash between him other leaders from Western including Ford Kenya Party leader Moses Wetang’ula who argued that it was wrong for Wekesa to make the remarks.
“We will not allow some leaders to use the BBI (Building Bridges Initiative) report to create a position for the president.
"According to the constitution, a president is allowed to serve for two terms, his age notwithstanding," stated Wetangula.
The former Foreign Affairs minister further argued that the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) should be aimed at bettering the lives of Kenyans and not fulfilling an individual's needs.
Other leaders who attended the burial included Area MP Ayub Savula, Eseli Simiyu (Tongaren), Chris Wamalwa (Kiminini), Geoffrey Osotsi (Nominated) and Bungoma Woman Representative Catherine Wambilianga among others.
