Uhuru Kenyatta's political rise was shaped by his family name, personal ambition, and strategic alliances. Son of Kenya's first president, he entered politics in 1997, winning Gatundu South parliamentary seat. President Moi appointed him Minister for Local Government in 2001, then unexpectedly endorsed him as KANU's presidential candidate in 2002. Uhuru lost badly to Kibaki, finishing third. He rebuilt KANU, served as Leader of Official Opposition, then joined Kibaki's government as Minister for Finance and later Deputy Prime Minister. In 2013, facing ICC charges related to 2007-2008 post election violence, Uhuru formed an alliance with William Ruto (also facing ICC charges) and won the presidency in a controversial election. His political career demonstrates the enduring power of political dynasties in Kenya, strategic ethnic coalition building, and the importance of controlling GEMA (Gikuyu Embu Meru Akamba) votes.
See Also
Uhuru Kenyatta Early Political Career Uhuru ICC Cases Kibaki Presidency
Sources
- Hornsby, Charles. 'Kenya: A History Since Independence.' I.B. Tauris, 2012.
- Cheeseman, Nic. 'Democracy in Africa.' Cambridge University Press, 2015.
- Nation Media Group political archives.