Is Uhuru Kenyatta giving up his PORK ambitions?

Updated Tuesday, June 19 2012 at 23:07 GMT+3

By Francis Ngige

Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta’s Saturday statement on why he could sacrifice his presidential ambition has sparked speculation in his central Kenya political bedrock.

The pronouncement made during the burial of former Internal Security Minister George Saitoti has also given the region mixed signals as the President Kibaki succession race enters the homestretch.

Uhuru asked mourners at the burial to emulate Saitoti, but curiously added he was ready to sacrifice his personal ambition for the sake of national unity.

Uhuru, who has previously insisted his name would be on the presidential ballot paper despite the serious charges lined against him at The Hague, suggested he might consider giving up his ambition “for the sake of the country”.



“I want to state here that I’m prepared to give up my own ambition in order to take this country where Hon Saitoti wanted,” said Uhuru. He was eulogising Saitoti, who gave up his presidential ambition in 2002.


The unexpected pronouncement by Uhuru has opened speculation within the political circles that he may, after all, decide not to contest the presidency in the General Election.

With talks that his fellow Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi may be President Kibaki’s choice of a successor, the telling statement by Uhuru has added another twist to the succession debate.

Mudavadi has, however, categorically denied he was anyone’s “project” insisting he was his own man ready to fight it out in the presidential election.With Uhuru’s statement coming at a time presidential hopefuls are criss-crossing the country seeking support, the political game may be changing.

Uhuru supporters are now unsure whether the DPM is still in the presidential race or he is about to defer his ambition.

Consistent politician

Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni, a staunch supporter of Uhuru who has, however, been closely associated with Mudavadi, described the Gatundu South MP as an “honest politician.”

“I believe this is one honest politician we have in this country. He is very consistent in what he does and his statement does not surprise me,” said Kioni.

He said having shelved his presidential ambition in 2007 when he supported Kibaki, it would not be surprising if he did the same thing in the coming elections.

Tough battles

Kioni, however, added another twist to the story saying although Uhuru was a principled politician “some hangers-on are always putting him under pressure.”

“Without the sycophantic attitude of some of his followers, Uhuru is capable of making proper decisions for the interest of the country. He is a very sober politician,” said the outspoken MP. Kioni claimed that some politicians who are facing tough battles in their backyards were clinging onto Uhuru to ensure their own political survival.

“They want to push him to run for the presidency so that they can ride on his popularity to win their seats. This is why they are busy pushing for their agenda,” said the MP.

But his spokesman Munyori Buku said the statement should not be construed to mean that Uhuru was out of the presidential race.

“What he said is nothing new. He has stated on several occasions that he is ready to work with like-minded leaders and participate in a joint nominations,’’ added Buku.

He has said if another leader was nominated in freely and fairly, Uhuru was ready to support that leader. And in the same breath he expects other leaders to support him if he wins the ticket, said Buku.

Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi also dismissed the notion that Uhuru was preparing to drop his bid for presidenct, arguing contrary to the perception created by his statement last Saturday, plans have been finalised to roll out his presidential machine as the elections near.


“We should understand the circumstances in which the statement was made. He was eulogising Saitoti who had made a similar statement,” said Linturi.

He added: “In my view, that does not mean he (Uhuru) is not running for president. We are preparing for his candidature as he is still the people’s choice.”

Mwea MP Peter Gitau said Uhuru’s statement should not be interpreted to mean that he was pulling out of the presidential race.

Massive support

“We know Uhuru as an astute politician who is respected across the political divide and what we know is that he enjoys massive support across the country,” said Gitau. He, however, said should Uhuru choose to shelve his ambition for the sake of the country, his decision should be respected.

Assistant Minister Kareke Mbiuki, also an ally of Uhuru, dismissed the speculation that the DPM might not be vying for president.

“Uhuru is firmly in the race to State House on The National Alliance ticket. What he meant is, if by any chance his candidature is a threat to national unity, he shall step down and support any other like-minded candidate,” explained Mbiuki.

He added: “To this end therefore, I wish to confirm that Uhuru is still firmly in the presidential race.”

Uhuru: ‘I want to state here that I’m prepared to give up my own ambition in order to take this country where Hon Saitoti wanted’

Kioni: ‘I believe Uhuru is one honest politician in this country. He is consistent in what he does and his statement does not surprise me’

Buku: ‘That is not new, he has stated before he is ready to work with like-minded leaders and participate in a joint nomination’

Linturi: ‘We should understand circumstances in which he spoke. He was eulogising Saitoti who had made a similar statement’

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