A number of political bigwigs want to be Kenya’s sixth president but will age work against them should William Ruto secure a second term?
In Africa, nonetheless, the ages of quite a few presidents far exceed the typical retirement age for workers.
In most nations, the standard retirement age for the workforce is 60 years. Nevertheless, there are African presidents who continue to lead well after age 60.
Paul Biya has been President of Cameroon since November 6, 1982. At 91 years of age, he is the second-longest-reigning president in Africa, the world's oldest current non-royal national leader, and the planet's eldest head of state.
Back home, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has declared that he will be on the ballot in 2027 and will not support Raila Odinga’s presidential ambition again.
Kalonzo is 70 years old now. If Ruto is re-elected, he will be 79 years old in 2032 when the head of state will have completed his final term.
Western Kenya political bigwigs Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetang’ula are also believed to be angling for the top seat in 2032.
They have hinted Ruto could back a presidential candidate from the region after his anticipated second and final term.
Wetang’ula, who is the National Assembly Speaker, has affirmed the community in Western is keen on helping Ruto secure a second term in 2027, and eventually produce his successor in 2032.
“We are determined to have our own taking over from President Ruto in 2032,” Wetang’ula said in March last year.
Wetang’ula is 67 years old now and will be 76 in 2032. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, on the other hand, is 63 years old and will be 72 in 2032.
Former Kakamega Governor and ODM deputy party leader Wycliffe Oparanya, another bigwig from Western region is 67 years old, and will be 76 in 2032.
It is worth noting that founding President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and Mwai Kibaki, who succeeded Moi, took office in their old age. Jomo was 74. Kibaki was 71.
The second President of Kenya, Daniel arap Moi became head of state at 54 and served for a record 24 years.
Uhuru Kenyatta was 52 when he became Kenya’s fourth president.
Political analyst Joseph Mutua does not think age will be a factor for consideration in the 2032 presidential election if Ruto is reelected in 2027.
He said Kenyans seem to have come to the conclusion that age does not matter when it comes to leadership.
“Their decision is informed by the performance of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto. Billed as youthful, the duo failed to meet some of their key expectations,” he explained.
On the contrary, political commentator Fred Sasia said reality looms large for many political stalwarts as most will have surpassed age 75.
“Figures such as Kalonzo Musyoka, Wetang’ula, and Siaya governor James Orengo, among others, are unlikely to wield the same political influence they once did. Their careers inevitably drawing to a close,” he said.
Sasia said the 2027 elections may well be a farewell ceremony for these seasoned figures.
Sasia noted, however, that at 72 years of age in 2032, Mudavadi could serve as an ideal transitional president.
“Imagining him running with a dynamic, youthful politician sparks intrigue. The prospect of Mudavadi selecting a young, brilliant counterpart suggests he could be the final torchbearer of the old guard, paving the way for his deputy to claim the presidency in the subsequent elections,” he said.
In January, Jubilee vice chairman David Murathe caused a storm in the opposition by suggesting Raila should vie for the presidency in the 2027 polls.
He maintained the former premier is still energetic enough to make another stab at the presidency, having done so four times and failed.
Former Agriculture Cabinet Minister Kipruto Arap Kirwa said that despite Raila’s age, there is still hope for the presidency come 2027.
“You do not need to be so energetic, you just need to be present and be in tune with the wishes of the people,” Kirwa said.
And when Kenyans were debating how the political landscape would change if Raila wins the position of chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), the Opposition chief hinted he is not yet out of the picture.
“I'm not out of the presidential race yet because I haven't been nominated for the AU post,” said Raila.
A document on the code of conduct for holders of the AU office suggests Raila will be forced to take a back seat in Kenya's politics and be neutral and impartial in political contests across Africa.
The code of conduct also stipulates that the regional bloc's chair is barred from any other appointment to a public office unless he or she resigns.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria was not left out of the debate, as he claimed that even if Raila wins the AU seat, he will still be on the ballot in 2027.
He claimed if Raila is appointed, he will step down from the AU position to contest in 2027.
Should Raila decide to contest in 2027, he will be 83 years old.
Younger political bigwigs are also seeking to succeed Ruto. They include Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho.
Reports have indicated that some leaders from the Mt Kenya region are already grooming Ndindi Nyoro, age 38, for 2032.
Gachagua is 59 years old and will be 68 in 2032.
On the other hand, Joho, age 48, has said he is ready to battle competitors for the presidential seat in 2027.
Even if he fails to win the seat in 2027, Joho will have another chance in 2032 and will be only 56 years old.
Joho, who has been out of the political limelight since the 2022 elections, has already warned Oparanya to brace himself for a fierce battle.
Raila has picked Joho and Oparanya to lead ODM should he win the AU seat.
In January, 15 MPs threw their support behind Nyoro to potentially succeed Ruto, should he secure a second term in office.
The endorsement of Nyoro has reportedly annoyed leaders allied to Gachagua who has been consolidating the region in his endeavour to succeed Ruto.
Analyst Mutua further said he does not expect Kenyans to support the upcoming and new crop of leaders.
“They would argue that most of these leaders were greenhorns and hence lacked experience. Going by our history, you would therefore expect them to rally behind their respective tribal or regional kingpins who are currently calling the shots. In 2032, all of them will be of advanced age,” he said.
Mutua added Kenyans are likely to borrow a leaf from many countries across the world. “As we know, some of these developed and democratic nations in Africa and Europe are being led by the old grey-haired leaders,” he said.
Sasia observed that the 2032 elections mark an opening for the younger generation of politicians to ascend to power. “A new era beckons for Kenya's political stage, with figures like Joho, Ndindi Nyoro, and others poised to take centre stage,” he said.
He further added that for many Kenyans, 2032 signals hope and the realisation of dreams, as the passing of the old guard ushers in a new era of vibrant, fresh leadership.