President Uhuru Kenyatta has maintained he is not interested in extending his tenure after his term expires in 2022. He told CNN in an interview that he would not take another stab at the presidency, even if granted the chance to do so.
The Head of State was responding to CNN’s Richard Quest in a question regarding plans to change the Constitution. “I’m not interested in serving another term. I will not take up the chance even if everyone wanted me to.” “I am not seeking to change the Constitution to cling unto power,” Uhuru said.
His sentiments come a day after a section of leaders from Mt Kenya region said they will seek to introduce changes to the law to create a Prime Minister position for President Kenyatta.
Led by Murang’a Senator Irungu Kang’ata, the leaders say President Uhuru is ‘too young’ to retire in 2022. The leaders converged for a parliamentary group meeting in Naivasha on Monday and creating a post for Kenyatta is said to be one of the agenda of the retreat.
Uhuru said he is keen to steer the country to achieve its development agenda hampered by the chaotic 2017 general elections. “People are talking about Constitutional change not necessarily that they are desirous for the president to seek a third term but because of issues related to the cost of running this Constitution,” says Kenyatta.
The president reiterated his commitment to save Kenya from the “cyclic chaotic events staged anytime there is an election.”
“Kenya is always a gentle and loving country except for when there is an election. This is the belief we are trying to come out of,” he said.
“As we strive to work and partner with our brothers in the opposition our main focus is to put Kenya first.”
The Head of State further defended the country’s relations with China saying measures are in place to control foreign debt.
He also dismissed claims that Kenya is over-borrowing from China adding that the State gets funds from other nations as well.
Uhuru cited the US, African Development Bank, France’s AfD, Japan, and the World Bank as some of the partners.
“I am not worried about us borrowing, my only worry would be if that debt goes to interfere with our current expenditure,” he said.