Uhuru Kenyatta

Uhuru Kenyatta, the son of Kenya's first president Jomo Kenyatta, served as the nation's fourth president from 2013 until 2022.

Early Career and Legislative Beginnings

Educated at St. Mary's School and Amherst College, Kenyatta initially worked at the Kenya Commercial Bank and founded Wilham Kenya Limited. He entered parliamentary politics by contesting the Gatundu South seat in 1997. Although he lost that initial bid, he was nominated to Parliament in 1999 and appointed Minister for Local Government by President Daniel Arap Moi, who designated him as a political successor.

Opposition Leadership and Ministerial Roles

Kenyatta ran for president in 2002 but lost to Mwai Kibaki. He served as Leader of the Opposition until 2007. By 2008, he had become the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade within a coalition government. He later served as Minister for Finance from 2009 until 2012, resigning amid investigations by the International Criminal Court regarding the post-election violence of 2007.

Presidency and Electoral Challenges

Elected president in 2013, Kenyatta secured a second term in 2017 with 54% of the popular vote. Following a legal challenge from Raila Odinga, the Supreme Court of Kenya invalidated the initial results, necessitating a repeat election in October 2017 which Kenyatta won. His tenure concluded in 2022, marking a decade of influence over national policy and legislative action.

Financial Transparency and International Scrutiny

In 2021, Kenyatta and members of his family were identified in the Pandora Papers as beneficiaries of offshore companies in Panama and the British Virgin Islands. The disclosure of these assets, valued at over $30 million, sparked public criticism, particularly as his administration had publicly campaigned on anti-corruption measures and mandated financial audits for state officials.

Fast facts

• Born: 26 October 1961, Nairobi
• Presidency: 2013-2022
• Education: Amherst College, St. Mary's School
• Languages: English, Gikuyu, Kiswahili
• Religion: Catholicism
• Awards: Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya, Order of the Welwitschia

Questions readers ask

What was Uhuru Kenyatta's role before becoming president?

He served as a Member of the National Assembly, Minister for Local Government, Minister of Trade, Minister for Finance, and Deputy Prime Minister.

Why was his 2017 election victory contested?

The Supreme Court of Kenya declared the August 2017 election invalid following a challenge by Raila Odinga, requiring a new election to be held.

Achievements

• Worked as politician and minister