With a broken heart but hopeful for the future, President Uhuru Kenyatta assured the nation that he would hand over power to President-elect William Ruto.
President Kenyatta watched as his dream of a Kenya led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga plummeted. Speaking to Azimio La Umoja leaders at Maasai Lodge on Wednesday, September 7, his speech portrayed him to be willing and ready to join the opposition.
Uhuru reiterated that he would stick by Odinga, his handshake partner, further signalling that he would fully assume his role as the chairperson of Azimio La Umoja Council.
"I will hand over power smiling because it's my Constitutional duty but my leader is Baba, Raila Odinga," President Kenyatta stated.
At only 61 years of age, the Head of State is spoilt for choice when it comes to the activities he may wish to engage in.
Chair Azimio and opposition co-principal
With the Supreme Court upholding Ruto's victory in the August 9 poll, the Azimio la Umoja coalition was left to settle for the opposition wing in for the next five years.
President Kenyatta, who assumed the role of Azimio la Umoja chairperson on April 14, 2022, will still be involved in the coalition's activities and play a key role in providing oversight of the incoming administration.
While delivering his speech after the Supreme Court upheld Ruto's victory, Uhuru urged Kenyans to hold to account the incoming government over the promises made during the campaign period.
"While we must appreciate these institutions, we must hold them to account. Their truth has to be consistent and coherent. This is the only way we build our democracy," he stated.
International Duty
During his ten-year term, Uhuru forged good relations with foreign states. His advocacy for climate change in the continent landed him a role as the global champion for the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Programme (AAAP).
In January 2020, he also accepted to become the champion of the African Union culture and arts agenda.
With his quest to forge international ties, pundits opine that Uhuru may be open to a United Nations role if offered one.
Grandfather Duties
During the launch of the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally, the Head of State was accompanied by his grandson as they watched and cheered for the Kenyan team.
The president has three grandchildren and will have plenty of time to read them books and lull them to sleep.
Farming
The outgoing commander-in-chief has in the past revealed his desire to venture into farming after his tenure comes to an end. He shared his plans during the 2021 African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) where he envisioned taking up agriculture as a full-time career.
Reports indicated that Uhuru has invested heavily in his 4,000-acre farm in Gicheha, Nakuru county, owing to the funds poured into the venture.
From importing the animals from South Africa and Uganda to 24 hours strict supervision, the President was said to be keen on the level of productivity within the farm.
Family Business
The Kenyatta family is one of the most influential in the country, with vast wealth in the dairy, banking, real estate and hospitality sectors.
According to the latest report by Oxfam International, Uhuru's family amounted to Ksh60 billion and was ranked as the fourth wealthiest in the country.
Uhuru will have the task of ensuring that the family businesses remain afloat and can be passed on to the next generation.
Golf
Uhuru loves Golf and was, from time to time, seen teeing off alongside First Lady Margaret Kenyatta.
The President followed in the footsteps of his predecessor, Mwai Kibaki, who was an ardent golf player.
