Veteran politician Koigi Wa Wamwere has joined the heating debate about an alleged plot by President Uhuru Kenyatta to prolong his tenure.
This comes at a time when a section of politicians, both his allies and critics, have suggested that Uhuru might stay longer in power, though expected to retire in 2022.
The former Subukia MP said he sees the same thing and really thinks Uhuru might seek to cling onto power, either as the president or through the said Prime Minister seat.
According to him, it is very likely that Uhuru is hiding behind his support for the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) push to realise something.
"I think he is pushing for power. I think Uhuru Kenyatta wants to remain the president and if the BBI allows him, he will seek the third term. (Nafikiri anapigania mamlaka, nafikiri Uhuru Kenyatta anataka kubaki rais na kama BBI itamkubalia atawania kwa muhula wa tatu)," he said on Radio Sauti Ya Mwananchi, Saturday evening.
Koigi warned that should Uhuru manage to in one way or the other remove the presidential term limit, then Kenyans should prepare for his life presidency or Premiership.
He cited the Rwandan and Ugandan scenarios where presidents Paul Kagame and Yoweri Museveni pushed for removal of term limits to enable them remain in power for longer.
"If the BBI won't allow him to be president, since the constitution doesn't question his holding the Prime Minister seat, I see him going for it and I don't see him leaving it. (Kama BBI haitamruhusu kuwa rais, kwa sababu katiba haimgombezi kuwa waziri mkuu, naona ataiendea na sioni akibanduka)," he added.
He also pointed out that Uhuru's argument resembles that of Museveni and Kagame, both of whom argued that the amendments had nothing to do with them as individuals.
However, in the past, President Kenyatta made it clear that he will vacate office after 2022.