[President Uhuru Kenyatta in a past event. He is not a diehard of politics. Photo/Nation]
Despite being son to founding president Jomo Kenyatta, President Uhuru Kenyatta’s political history is a bit narrow given his lack of interest in politics in his infantry days.
Born in 1961, Uhuru lived a quiet life during and after his father’s rule that lasted for 16 years but only came to limelight during 1997 elections.
Having lost his 1997 Gatundu parliamentary bid, Uhuru retreated to his quiet life where he out focus in managing the Kenyatta’s vast family businesses.
However, retired President Daniel Moi gave him a political life when he asked veteran politician Mark Too to step down for him from parliament after which he was appointed minister and a nominated MP in 2001.
Later on in 2002, Moi’s KANU proposed Uhuru as the presidential candidate but went on to lose to Mwai Kibaki in presidential elections.
After the elections, Uhuru put his focus on working for Gatundu South people, a position he served for a decade.
In 2007, Uhuru, the then official leader of opposition, shocked the entire world when he endorsed Mwai Kibaki’s reelection bid. He served as Minister for Finance and Deputy Prime Minister until 2013.
He beat Raila Odinga in a closely contested poll and his victory was upheld by the Supreme Court following a petition by opposition.