Why Raila, Ruto present dilemma for Uhuru

One of the symptoms of our continued elite-level political immaturity is the tendency to engage in clandestine politics. Instead of fully embracing open policy debate and competition within and between our political parties, our leaders prefer cloak-and-dagger habits. One example is the ongoing debate over President Uhuru Kenyatta’s political future. What does Kenyatta want? Will he retire come 2022? There have been rumors that the president might try to hang on as Prime Minister following a constitutional amendment. The president is on record saying he will retire. However, talk being cheap. A close examination of Kenyatta’s interest might shed some light on this matter.

As a former president with substantial financial interest, Kenyatta probably desires to have a successor that will let him retire in peace and protect his family’s vast economic interests. He may also want a successor that builds on some of his legacy projects, such as elements of the proposed Big Four Agenda. The last thing Kenyatta wants is to antagonise his likely successor, who may have scores to settle with him once he retires.