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IS FORMER PRESIDENT UHURU KENYATTA COMING BACK FOR A THIRD TERM?

Is former president Uhuru Kenyatta coming back for a third term? This question lingers in the minds of many Kenyans as political turmoil grips the nation.  The streets of Kenya have recently witnessed a surge of protests. The younger generation, particularly Gen Z, is taking a stand against the finance bill and the entire Ruto regime.

These demonstrations seemed to bear fruit when President William Ruto dismissed his cabinet. However, the subsequent rehiring of most cabinet secretaries, many considered unfit for office, left the public bewildered and frustrated.

Amidst this backdrop of instability and discontentment, Research 8020 Limited, a globally renowned market and social research company, embarked on a mission to gauge the pulse of the Kenyan people regarding President Ruto’s government.

The findings paint a stark picture of the current political landscape. A staggering 60% of Kenyans believe the country is headed in the wrong direction, while only 26% maintain optimism about its trajectory.

Perhaps most intriguing is the shift in party affiliations. The study reveals that 49% of Kenyans no longer feel aligned with any political party.

In a surprising turn, Azimio, led by Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has overtaken the ruling party, UDA, by claiming 26% support compared to UDA’s 21%.

The research also uncovers a growing weariness among Kenyans towards long-standing political figures. There is a palpable desire for fresh faces in the political arena, with many expressing hope that “Someone New” might bring about much-needed change. However, the definition of “new” appears to be rather flexible, as some familiar names emerged in the study.

Among the potential candidates mentioned are former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Kasmuel Mcoure, and Jimmy Wanjigi. Kenyatta, having served as president from 2013 to 2022, is hardly a new face in Kenyan politics. Mcoure has gained prominence as a vocal supporter of Gen Z protests, while Wanjigi, a businessman turned politician, has long been touted as a potential presidential candidate.

The mention of Uhuru Kenyatta raises intriguing questions about the future of Kenyan politics. With presidential terms currently limited to two five-year periods, the possibility of Kenyatta’s return would require significant constitutional changes.

Will we witness a revision of term limits to accommodate a third term for the former president? Or is this merely wishful thinking on the part of his supporters?

As Kenya navigates these turbulent political waters, only time will reveal the true direction of the nation’s leadership. With three years remaining in President Ruto’s term, the political landscape remains ripe for change and surprises.

The full details of Research 8020’s findings offer a comprehensive look into the thoughts and expressions of the Kenyan people during this pivotal time in the country’s history.