Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta

DATE OF BIRTH


October 26, 1961

GENDER


Male

OCCUPATION


Politician

FAMILY


Second born son of Jomo and Ngina Kenyatta. Married to Margaret Kenyatta; they have three children

BIOGRAPHY


Former President Uhuru Kenyatta completed his secondary school education at St Mary’s, Nairobi, in 1979. He then joined Amherst College, a prestigious private liberal arts college in Massachusetts, US, from 1981 to 1985 and graduated with a degree in political science and economics.

Mr Kenyatta served as the fourth president of Kenya. First elected in 2013 alongside his deputy William Ruto, he was re-elected in 2017 in a controversial poll that was nullified by the Supreme Court, forcing a repeat poll that was held on his birthday in 2017. He won and was sworn into office for his final term on November 28, 2017. After completing his term, he handed over power to his deputy, Dr William Ruto, in 2022, after the latter won the presidential election against his closes rival, Mr Raila Odinga. 

His first stab at elective politics in 1997 was unsuccessful when he lost the Gatundu South Parliamentary seat to Mr Moses Muhia of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). However, former President Daniel arap Moi nominated him to parliament in 2001 and appointed him Minister for Local Government. The following year, Mr Moi controversially picked him as his preferred successor in the 2002 general election. He lost to Mwai Kibaki and he became the official leader of opposition until the tail end of 2007 when he opted defect to the government to support Mr Kibaki’s re-election.

Mr Kibaki was declared the winner of the contested poll that was followed by post-election violence. Later, Mr Kibaki and his main rival, Mr Raila Odinga, formed a grand coalition government where the former President appointed Mr Kenyatta as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade. He then redeployed him to the Ministry of Finance. 

Latest articles on Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta:

  1. Eric Ng'eno: Understanding Kenyatta’s lonely struggle in seamy underside of Kenya’s politics 

    Kenyatta pursued trauma-driven politics, through which he projected his fear of competition, dissent and criticism.

    Jubilee Party Leader and former President Uhuru Kenyatta
  2. Uhuru suffers setback as registrar rejects expulsion of Sabina, Kega

    In a swift rejoinder, Mr Kioni has accused Ms Nderitu of supporting the rebels.

    Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Jubilee team
  3. John Ngumi quits KQ board after four years

    His fortunes have changed for the worse under the reign of President William Ruto.

    John Ngumi
  4. Electricity costs soar by 67pc in Ruto's first nine months in office

    It's caused by higher fuel costs, currency depreciation and the review of electricity tariffs.

    DNCOASTPOWER1011B (1)
  5. Ruto, the unwanted guest at last year's Madaraka Day fete, now runs the show

    President Kenyatta acknowledged all dignitaries except Ruto, and did not allow him to address the nation.

  6. Uhuru in private meeting with Mudavadi in Nigeria

    In pictures released by Mr Kenyatta’s office, the duo appeared cordial, shook hands and were in a relaxed mode

    Uhuru Musalia
  7. A fund for every president and a showcase for graft

    President Ruto is continuing a tradition by past administrations to create funds to provide solutions to various socio-economic challenges.

    President William Ruto (centre) and former presidents Uhuru Kenyatta (left) and Mwai Kibaki.
  8. Sakaja: City Hall to buy sanitary pads for needy schoolgirls

    Nairobi governor promises to mobilise MCAs to provide for funding in the county budget.

  9. Parallel Madaraka, fresh demos as Azimio plots faceoff

    Former President Uhuru Kenyatta sharply in focus as he is expected to play key role in opposition messaging.

    Raila and Uhuru
  10. Gachagua escalates efforts to isolate Uhuru in Mt Kenya

    The former Mathira MP has been consolidating the region as he positions himself as its kingpin.

    DP Gachagua
  11. Magesha Ngwiri: Raging war for ‘dead Jubilee’ soul

    The scales are slowly peeling from the eyes of ‘hustlers’ and resentment against the government is building up.

    Jubilee Party Leader and former President Uhuru Kenyatta
  12. Eric Ng’eno: Return Kenyatta’s phone, let him enjoy much-deserved retirement

    Uhuru joined politics and Kanu out of obedience for Nyayo.

  13. Tribunal reinstates Kioni, Murathe after registrar approves expulsion

    Tribunal deals major blow to Ms Nderitu's decision to recognise Kanini faction.

    Jeremiah Kioni and David Murathe
  14. Uhuru fights back: ‘I am no pushover’

    Former President moves to stamp his authority amid onslaught by group allied to President Ruto.

    Jubilee NDC
  15. How Ruto allies provoked Uhuru to get involved in politics

    Jubilee Party leaders say they will capitalise on State failures to claw back influence in Mt Kenya.

    Jubilee Party Leader and former President Uhuru Kenyatta
  16. Jubilee kicks out 'rebels' Sabina Chege, Kanini Kega

    The NDC gave ex-President Kenyatta an opportunity to stamp his authority in the party.

    Jubilee leader Uhuru Kenyatta

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