With almost half of his second and final term already gone, President Uhuru Kenyatta is not leaving anything to chance in his bid to establish a lasting legacy.
Political analyst Prof Herman Manyora says that is why Uhuru has embraced an abrasive leadership style, which he tried to conceal during his first term in office.
Manyora, who is also a university lecturer, said from 2013 to 2017, the President was accused of taking the conductor's seat, and leaving the wheel to his deputy William Ruto.
“Let Uhuru’s looks not decisive you. He was accused of being hands off his government by those who thought the DP was running the show while he operated at 22 per cent. Things are just beginning and he will be tougher in coming days,” he said.
Manyora cited the tough talk and sacking of Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri by Uhuru on Tuesday, saying it demonstrated he will not let anyone mess with his legacy, particularly in agriculture which is the backbone of his Mt Kenya backyard.
“His eyes are firmly on post 2022. His actions are informed by his legacy agenda. The stick and carrot is clearly illustrated in his Mombasa national address, especially aimed at Mt Kenya backyard,” the University of Nairobi don said.
Similar sentiments were echoed by another political analyst Prof Kobia Ataya, who said Kiunjuri's sacking had everything to do with calming Mt Kenya, where rebellion was growing over shrinking returns from the agricultural sector.
“Uhuru is no lame duck. He has teeth and can bite. Agriculture is key to the appeasement of the Mt Kenya region. The new price of Sh33 per litre of milk has already gone far in calming the nerves,” Ataya said.