Kenya's President Uhuru rules out extending term as exit nears

President Uhuru Kenyatta accuses Deputy President William Ruto of sabotaging his efforts to unite Kenya. [File, Standard]

NAIROBI, Kenya - Despite speculations of possibilities of extending term, Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta has dismissed claims that he might extend his term, bringing to an end heated debate over his future ahead of 2022 polls.

Uhuru is due to retire in 2022 after having served two terms of five years. He was first elected in 2013 before successfully retaining his seat in 2017, but there have been claims that he intends to stay a little bit longer.

Kenya holds elections after every five years, but some analysts say die to Covid-19 situation, Uhuru might postpone elections for a little bit longer. However, in a candid address, Uhuru said he would retire once elections are over in 2022.

"I'm ready for an election under prescribed time as I've said several times and that's the schedule I'm working with," Mr. Kenyatta told senior editors at State House, Nairobi on Monday, debunking claims that there are plans to postpone the 2022 elections.

On the polls body, Uhuru, however, cast doubts on the poll, citing the implications of the Court of Appeal's finding that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) had no quorum.

"I've not had such talks (of postponing the election) and I've no comment on it but if indeed what the court even ruled on the BBI is anything to go by, then they are telling us that we cannot have a General Election because we don't have a constituted IEBC. Let us wait and see what unfolds," he said.

President Kenyatta is the appointing authority for IEBC commissioners and has since sent the names of Juliana Wihonge Chirera, Francis Mathenge Wanderi, Irene Cherop Masit, and Justice Abonyo Nyangaya for vetting by Parliament.

The four candidates are poised to replace Connie Nkatha Maina, Dr. Roselyne Akombe, Dr. Paul Kurgat, and Ms. Margaret Mwachanya, who resigned.

In the candid interview, Mr. Kenyatta said he was grateful to have served for the two terms, but insisted he had passionate ideals that he would continue advocating for as a citizen once he exits office.

"I believe this is part of my agenda -- to be able to bring people together and to be able to ensure that we have a peaceful, stable, and united country," he said.

"If you go back to 2013, it has always been my agenda to bring the people of Kenya together. So, if the decisions of 2007 brought us together, why can't we bring these other people together? What is the problem with bringing more people on board?" posed Mr. Kenyatta.

The Head of State, however, warned Kenyans against electing leaders who are only out to pursue personal and selfish interests at the expense of the country.

"It's not my duty nor my responsibility to tell people or Kenyans how or where they should vote. It's my duty to remind Kenyans that they need to look at who they vote for and why they are voting for that particular person. It's unfortunate that within and amongst us, there are those who will sacrifice national interest for personal political agenda. It's for Kenyans to decide," the President added.

GAROWE ONLINE