Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta believes that he delivered for Azimio leader Raila Odinga in Central Kenya in the last election.

Uhuru, who chairs the Azimio Council, backed Raila (pictured) against his then deputy William Ruto in the election in which his Central Kenya backyard pro- vided the decisive vote in favour of Kenya Kwanza. 

It was hoped in the Azimio fraternity that with the backing of Uhuru and the choice of Martha Karua as running mate, Raila stood a high chance of winning the presidency.

But the region threw its support behind Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, triggering debate that Mt Kenya had not heeded Uhuru’s advice. The Jubilee party leader rejects the narrative.

“I did my best for Raila Odinga in Cen- tral Kenya. I managed to deliver 1.2 million votes in Mt Kenya. He had never got such votes before in the region. People did not reject me. They were lied to by people who peddled propaganda,” he told editors in a wide-ranging interview. 

According to Uhuru, he was not keen to be the Mt Kenya mantle noting that he is no longer in competitive politics.

He, however, maintained that he will not allow the takeover of his Jubilee Party by “puppeteers and coup plotters in the Kenya Kwanza administration”.

Empty coffers

The High Court overturned the over- throw of Uhuru’s allies, secretary general Jeremiah and vice-chairman David Mu- rathe who were kicked out by a faction led by East Africa Legislative Assembly member Kanini Kega.

“I had planned to leave the leadership to other people including my role as the Azimio council chairman but I can’t leave the party to coup plotters,” he said.

The retired President also denied claims by Kenya Kwanza leading lights including Gachagua and Prime Cabinet secretary Musalia Mudavadi that he left behind empty coffers. 

Uhuru says he should be allowed to enjoy his retirement and bond with his family.

“I have never taken a holiday for the past ten years. I want to pursue my other passions,” he said.

Uhuru has been brokering peace ef- forts in the Horn of Africa as well as supervising elections on the continent.

“We want to concentrate on peace efforts in Ethiopia, South Sudan and the DRC. I want to dedicate my time to the Pan-African project that I am really passionate about. I believe that Africa’s stability depends on the unity of its people. By Emeka Mavaka, People Daily