The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has hinted at President Uhuru Kenyatta's likely return to power after 10 or more years when he retires in August.
Speaking to Standard Digital on Saturday, April 30, Atwoli reiterated his earlier sentiments that Uhuru is still too young to retire after the forthcoming General Election.
He explained that his imminent return would be after ten years after retirement. Justifying his argument, Atwoli noted that Presidents making a comeback in active politics is not a strange phenomenon as it happens in other developed countries.
"I am not saying that this will be his (Kenyatta’s) last Labour Day celebrations [as president]. He is too young to retire, he’s still a young person. He may be in retirement for ten years, or a number of years, and then make a comeback in politics and leadership," Atwoli stated.
He added, "We can’t rule out the possibility of Uhuru Kenyatta returning as president in the near future."
However, the current constitution does not allow the Head of State to return to power after retirement.
"The President shall hold office for a term beginning on the date on which the President was sworn in, and ending when the person next elected President in accordance with Article 136 (2) (a) is sworn in. (2) A person shall not hold office as President for more than two terms," 2010 Constitution states.
Before the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) collapsed after the Supreme Court ruling, Atwoli had maintained that Uhuru is too young to leave active politics.
He even suggested for the constitution to be amended to allow Uhuru to take another stab at the Presidency.
ODM leader Raila Odinga has previously stated that President Kenyatta will be his advisor should he form the next government.
"I will be seeking his advice just like he has been consulting me on different national matters during his second term in government," Raila told the BBC during an interview.
The Azimio-One Kenya was officially registered as a coalition on April 13, and Uhuru was gazetted as the Chairman of the outfit.
The outcome of his first Council meeting saw an advisory panel tasked with picking Raila's running mate.
At the same time, the COTU boss confirmed that Uhuru will grace the Labour Day celebrations slated for Sunday, May 1 at Nyayo Stadium.
"I welcome all Kenyans tomorrow(Sunday, May 1) at Nyayo Stadium for Labour Day Celebrations. By 9:30 all VIP guests will be seated waiting for President Uhuru Kenyatta. I want to thank him for giving our workers great honour. Most of them are anticipating hearing his final speech before retirement," Atwoli stated.
