Kenyatta Says to Defer Retirement From Politics Over Rebellion in Jubilee


Nairobi — Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday said he had elected to defer his retirement from politics over surging inter-faction rivalry in Jubilee Party.

Kenyatta who is required by law to have retired as a leader of political party made the announcement while hosting a beleaguered axis of the former ruling party at Nairobi’s Ngong racecourse for a Special National Delegates Convention.

The retired President said given the intense wrangles over the party, he has decided to soldier on.

“I wanted to exit the political scene and I was thinking in the NDC is where I would come out to announce my retirement,” he told delegates at Ngong racecourse in Nairobi.

Section 6 (1) of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act provides that a retired President shall not hold office in any political party for more than six months after ceasing to hold office as President.

Additionally, Section 6 (2) requires retired presidents to play a consultative and advisory role to the government and the people of Kenya.

Kenyatta-Ruto rivalry

In a veiled attack to his successor, President William Ruto, Kenyatta vowed to face his tormentors head-on.

“Some people have decided that their work will be bulldozing and threatening other. Today, I tell you look for someone else not Uhuru Kenyatta,” said Kenyatta.

He promised to relinquish leadership once he successfully manages to quell the revolt within the party.