Since his retirement from the presidency months ago, Uhuru Kenyatta has been playing an active and influential role in resolving regional conflicts, positioning Kenya as a significant player in geopolitics.
As the East African Community’s mediator, Kenyatta has been diligently engaging in peace talks, notably in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Ethiopia, cementing his reputation as an African statesman.
![Uhuru hands over instruments of power to President Ruto during the swearing in ceremony [Image/Files]](https://news.switchtv.ke/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Uhuru-hands-over-vital-Instruments-to-Ruto-943x628.webp)
Kenyatta’s involvement in peace negotiations began in September 2020, when President William Ruto appointed him as Kenya’s peace envoy for the Great Lakes Region and the Horn of Africa during the presidential inauguration.
Ever since, he has been flying in and out of Nairobi, presiding over peace talks on behalf of the Kenyan government, which seeks to bolster regional trade through peaceful cooperation.
One of Kenyatta’s notable achievements has been working alongside former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo to persuade Ethiopian warring groups to give dialogue a chance for the next two years, leading to a significant step towards peace in the region.
He has also called for urgent intervention in the DRC, where clashes between the army and M23 rebels have caused thousands to flee their homes. His efforts have not gone unnoticed, with Kenya being increasingly seen as a bastion of democracy in the East African Community.
Despite these positive developments, the retired president has faced accusations from some Kenyan politicians, including President Ruto, DP Gachagua, and several members of the Cabinet, of funding ongoing protests in Kenya.
However, Kenyatta has vehemently denied these claims, asserting that he is not actively involved in politics but is focused on promoting peace as a Pan-Africanist.
In a recent interview, Kenyatta stated, “I am not funding Azimio demonstrations. Raila is my party leader, and I supported him in the 2022 General Election. Should my relationship with him stop because he is leading the protests?” He clarified that he has discussed the protests with Raila, but their talks centred only on values and not funding.
![Uhuru Kenyatta said that he handed over power in broad daylight because Kenya is a democratic State and challenged the administration to address issues raised by Kenyans.[Photo: Michael Ollinga/Twitter]](https://news.switchtv.ke/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/65d6804c73784b22.webp)
This wave of allegations has surfaced despite Kenyatta’s retirement and commitment to peacekeeping efforts in the region. He expressed concern over the attacks on him and his family by the Kenya Kwanza administration, led by President Ruto and Deputy Rigathi Gachagua, who has repeatedly vowed to neutralize him.
In response to the government’s recent actions against his family, Kenyatta criticized the administration, stating, “The benefits my mum enjoys are not because of me but because she is a former First Lady. We have to hire private security guards.”
On this matter, Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia urged Kenyatta to embrace his retirement from active politics and enjoy his status as a statesman.
Read also: President Uhuru: I Will Exist Even after Retiring
“Uhuru Kenyatta will be protected by William Ruto’s government, but the protection of his business, wealth, and family will be in accordance with the law. It will not be done at the expense of regular Kenyans. If he wants to be treated as a statesman, he should also behave as one,” the MP emphasized during a TV interview.
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