Despite leaving office in 2022, former President Uhuru Kenyatta remained a dominant figure in Kenya’s political space throughout the year.
While he mostly kept a low profile, there were moments when he rose to address various challenges in the country.
Notable events that happened in the year include the clash between his office and the government over funding and the reunion with President William Ruto in Embu and his Gatundu home.
Here are Uhuru’s Key highlights for the year;
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Donations to Flood Victims
Following the floods that claimed the lives of over 300 people between March and May, Uhuru pledged a personal Ksh2 million donation to help the Kenya Red Cross Society in its relief programmes.
“As a nation, we must stand together in the face of adversity, demonstrating compassion, resilience, and solidarity with one another,” he stated then.
Clash With Government
On June 10, the Office of the 4th President revealed that the government was not funding its activities as envisioned in the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act.
In particular, the contention centred around the staff in Uhuru’s office, the location of Uhuru’s office, vehicles and other benefits.
“The Act stipulates that the former President is entitled to four international trips. Since retirement to date, only two such trips have been honoured,” read the statement in part.
“In the year 2022/2023 parliament budget allocation to this office was Ksh655 million shillings. To date, the office can only confirm the absorption of Ksh28 million spread across the payment of an allowance for local travel and domestic travel as well as the facilitation of the 2 trips that have been honoured so far. This is approximately 4.4 per cent of the total budget.”
Following the back and forth, President Willian Ruto had a phone conversation with Uhuru to address the concerns of budgeting.
Finance Bill Protests
Following the Finance Bill 2024 protests in June, Uhuru hit out at the government for failing to heed the cries of Kenyans.
According to the former Head of State, the government need to listen to the people given that they were given the mandate by Kenyans.
"At this trying time for our Country, I want to remind all leaders that they were elected by the people,” he opined.
"Listening to the people is not a choice but a mandate enshrined in the principles of our constitution and in the very basis and philosophy of democracy.”
Ruto-Uhuru Reunion
In a rare spectacle, Uhuru and Ruto met at the consecration and installation of Rt Reverend Peter Kimani as Embu Diocese Bishop.
Also present was impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
In his speech, Uhuru called on leaders to treat each other with respect even as they accord Kenyans the same respect.
"We cannot succeed in division watu wakitupiana maneno ikiwa watu hawaheshimiani. To our leaders, respect citizens and they will return the same,” Uhuru expressed.
On December 6, Ruto also visited Uhuru at his Gatundu home where they discussed issues of national and regional importance. Allies of the former President like Mutahi Kagwe (Agriculture CS nominee) were later nominated to the Cabinet.
Notably, the duo pledged support for former Azimio leader Raila Odinga who is contesting for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson.
During the year, Uhuru also undertook various international duties such as being an observer during elections in South Africa.
Uhuru was also appointed as a board member of the Tana Forum.
On December 7, Uhuru was also among the dignitaries who attended the wedding of the daughter of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
