Uhuru’s Game Plan Against Ruto’s Financial Calculations

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta may continue to influence Kenyan politics towards the 2027 general elections, causing a resurgence of Kenya Kwanza.

This follows the leader reiterating his commitment to being a member of the One Kenya Alliance and urging leaders in the coalition to unite, stating, “our political star will continue to shine.”

Speaking on Sunday, November 19, 2023, in Mwingi town, Kitui County, Mr. Kenyatta expressed hope that the opposition still has a chance to form the next government.

“I am a member of the alliance, and I say that openly; my stance has not changed. We are where we are, and we won’t budge because I can see a bright future for us,” the retired president told congregants at the Full Gospel Church, where he led a fundraising event.

He was welcomed by his host, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, one of the One Kenya Alliance principals, along with other political leaders from the entire Ukambani region.

Other affiliate parties in the opposition coalition include Jubilee led by Mr. Kenyatta, ODM led by Raila Odinga, Narc Kenya led by Martha Karua, and the Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) led by former Defense Minister Eugene Wamalwa, among others.

Mr. Kenyatta chairs the National Steering Committee of the One Kenya Alliance, with Mr. Odinga serving as the alliance’s leader.

Responding to calls from Ukambani leaders for him to support Mr. Musyoka’s presidential ambitions in 2027, Mr. Kenyatta replied, “I have heard all that you have said. Who knows, only God.”

“I will continue to address issues of national importance affecting Kenyans, such as the rising cost of living. These people should stop blaming me for these challenges because it is their time to govern while addressing the problems facing Kenyans,” Mr. Kenyatta added.

Political analysts suggest that Mr. Kenyatta’s response to Ukambani leaders’ request to support Mr. Musyoka indicates that he is still willing to participate in politics by endorsing a presidential candidate chosen by the One Kenya Alliance.

“Uhuru has clearly shown that although he has retired as President, he has not retired as a politician, and Kenyans should be ready to continue feeling his influence in the political arena towards the 2027 general elections,” says Martin Andati.

According to Andati, Mr. Kenyatta’s statement in Mwingi last week was a warning to President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government that the One Kenya Alliance aims to use its weaknesses to present itself to the public again and remove him from power in the upcoming elections.

“By hinting that he is willing to support Mr. Musyoka in the 2027 presidential race, Mr. Kenyatta is telling Ruto that besides Raila, there are other leaders in the One Kenya Alliance who can compete against him,” he explains.

The rising cost of living due to some of President Ruto’s government policies, such as various tax hikes, has undermined the confidence of many Kenyans in the current administration.