In a move that is bound to leave the nation buzzing with speculations, former Kenyan President, the charismatic Uhuru Kenyatta, is all set to jet off to the United Kingdom with his family.
This comes hot on the heels of a controversial police raid at his son Jomo Kenyatta’s residence in Karen, which had tongues wagging.
Why is Uhuru Kenyatta leaving the country?
Uhuru Kenyatta exclusively disclosed his holiday plans during a candid tête-à-tête with media editors on July 24, 2023, where he playfully quipped about the trip being misconstrued as a hasty exit from the country.
He said he is not afraid of any investigations and that he had nothing to hide, adding that he respects the new government and wishes it well in delivering its promises to Kenyans.
“I have been at peace. I have never had a good family time as I wanted. In fact, I want to go on vacation with my children and grandchildren. Do not say I have run away. I need rest and they need me,” Uhuru told editors.
Uhuru is expected to travel to the UK on August 2, 2023, together with 15 members of his family.
A leaked letter, which was addressed to the British High Commission in Nairobi, exposed a request for entry visas for Uhuru’s family members, including his wife Margaret, his four children Jomo, Ngina, Jaba and Muhoho, and their spouses and children.
The letter did not indicate how long the former first family will stay in the UK or where they will reside.
Notably, the Kenyatta family does own property in the UK.
One is a mansion in Surrey, England, worth about Ksh152 million ($1.4 million).
The purpose and value of the other properties remain unknown.
Will Uhuru Kenyatta participate in mediated talks?
Interestingly, the timing of this trip could not be more intriguing, as political tension simmers with mediated talks between the government and the opposition on the horizon.
The talks, which were initiated by former Nigerian President Obasanjo, are aimed at addressing the political, economic and social challenges facing the country.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga recently invited Uhuru to be part of the talks, saying he respects him as a former president and a statesman.
However, Uhuru has not responded to Odinga’s invitation, leaving many wondering whether he is interested in supposed national dialogue.
As Uhuru prepares to leave the country, many Kenyans are left wondering what his next move will be and how it will affect the political landscape.
