Uhuru has right to do politics – Kabando wa Kabando

By Robert Mutasi

Former Mukurwein Member of Parliament Kabando wa Kabando has defended retired President Uhuru Kenyatta for engaging in politics.

Kabando has said that Uhuru has the right to decide whether he wants to engage in politics or retire.

Speaking in an interview with NTV on Tuesday night, the former lawmaker said that the law does not bar a former President from engaging in political issues.

He has condemned those that have been pushing for Kenyatta to retire from politics. 

"Any law that may contradict the constitution is null and void to the extent of that inconsistency," said Kabando.

He has stated that the former president will retire from politics willingly. 

"Uhuru should not be forced to prove himself to the country that he is a retired president," he said.

According to the former lawmaker, Uhuru still has a great impact on Kenyan politics. 

"He can play politics because the constitution gives him the freedom to do that by the Bill of Rights. He's entitled to political participation," Kabando said. 

Several leaders allied with the Kenya Kwanza government have been condemning Uhuru for participating in politics.

They argue that the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act requires him to relinquish any political position six months after handing over power to his successor.

Uhuru has however remained the Jubilee party leader and also chairperson of the Azimio One Kenya Coalition, a move that has seen politicians allied to the government call for withdrawal of his benefits.

Speaking during the Jubilee Party National Delegates Conference on Monday, the former President signalled that he was not leaving the political stage any time soon.

"I wanted to leave politics and deal with other issues. I had hoped to relinquish my position at such an NDC, but some people have decided to issue threats and use force," Uhuru told the NDC.