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TIFA: Kenyans want Uhuru to retire from politics


A majority of Kenyans believe former president Uhuru Kenyatta should retire from politics and enjoy his retirement or remain active in his family businesses if he chooses to.

This is according to a recent survey by TIFA, an African market research company.

The survey shows 59% of Kenyans believe Mr Kenyatta should not be involved in politics.

But then, 36% of those sampled believe it is the former president’s democratic right to actively participate in politics even after leaving power.

“Even among Azimio supporters – whose presidential candidate he supported in last year’s election (Odinga) – barely half (51%) feel he should remain politically active in retirement,” stated the research.

However, an overwhelming majority of Kenya Kwanza supporters (70%) hold a contrary view. Among those not expressing support for either coalition,

“Views on this issue are much more similar to those of Kenya Kwanza supporters than to those of Azimio,”

Even though he has remained silent since he handed over power to President William Ruto in September 2023, Mr Kenyatta once discussed politics publicly at the funeral of former Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha.

At the time, the former president insisted he recognises Mr Raila Odinga as his partly leader.

The law bars Mr Kenyatta from receiving his retirement benefits if he engages in political activities after retirement.

In a related development, Mr Kenyatta has consistently been accused by President William Ruto and his allies of funding the Raila Odinga-led anti-government protests.

The stand-off between Mr Kenyatta and his successor William Ruto took a new twist when goons raided the Kenyatta family farm in Ruiru, in the outskirts of Nairobi, destroyed property and stole hundreds of sheep.

Since his retirement, Mr Kenyatta has spearheaded peace talks in a bid to bring peace among warring parties in Ethiopia and DR Congo.

Mr Kenyatta ruled Kenya as its fourth president between 2013 and 2023.

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