GATANGA MP Peter Kenneth flies to the US today to meet Kenyans to fundraise for his presidential campaign due to be launched next month. "The plans are now complete. When he comes back from the US we will have a huge reception for him at the airport and a few days later he will officially announce his presidential bid," said one of Kenneth's close confidants. Yesterday Kenneth posted a Twitter message that he was travelling but did not say where he would be and how long he would be away. 
He explained in a telling statement that the reason he has been bonding with people is because he is a servant. "I believe we are all equal. Some of us are called to serve and we have to respect the people we serve," said Kenneth on his Twitter post. The move is likely to complicate matters for Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Uhuru Kenyatta who is largely expected to contest the presidency for the second time after unsuccessful attempt in 2002. A number of MPs from Central and parts of Eastern Kenya have already endorsed Uhuru as their preferred candidate. Kenneth has already acquired a private helicopter for movement around the country once he launches his bid.
Leaders known to be close Kenneth, an assistant minister for Planning and Vision 2030, said last month that he was planning to launch his bid to succeed President Kibaki. The Gatanga MP has previously announced that he will not defend his parliamentary seat nor will he vie for the governor or senator positions in his native Murang'a county.
He has also ruled out the possibility of him becoming anyone's running mate giving a strong indication that he will vie for the presidency and dispelling rumours that he will be Prime Minister Raila Odinga's running mate. “Uhuru is among the six suspects who are facing charges at the Hague so if the court confirms that Uhuru will face full trial, then Kenneth's star will shine the more,” said an MP known to be close to Kenneth.
The DPM is among the six suspects wanted at the Hague over various charges relating to crimes against humanity. Others are Eldoret North MP William Ruto, Tinderet MP Henry Kosgey, Head of the Public Service Francis Muthaura, former Police Commissioner Hussein Ali and radio presenter Joshua Arap Sang. Apart from Uhuru, Kenneth will battle it out with other aspirants from the region including Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua, Safina's Paul Muite and Rev Mutava Musyimi who has already officially launched his presidential bid.
Kenneth was born in 1965. He hails from the massive Mbari ya Muhuni family of Kirwara sub-location of Gatanga Contituency in Murang'a County. He attended Bahati Uhuru Primary School (CPE) and later joined Starehe Boys’ Centre for his 'O' and 'A' levels. He holds a law degree from the the University of Nairobi and has also done numerous banking and insurance courses.
He worked for Nationwide Finance company from 1985 to 1986, Prudential Finance and Bank from 1986 to 1997, Kenya Reinsurance Company from 1997 to 2002, Alt. Director, Africa Reinsurance Corp from 1998 to 2001, Director, Industrial Development Bank (IDB) from 1998 to 2002 and Chairman, Zep Reinsurance Company (ZEPRE) from 1998 to 2009. He was first elected a Member of Parliament in December 2002, a seat he has held up to date. Since 2003 he has been an assistant minister for Planning, Finance and Cooperative Development and Marketing.
The Gatanga MP’s bid for the top seat has received a major boost especially in Murang’a county where he has been backed by five local MPs the area who are always accompanying him during his campaigns in the county. Kenneth also received a major backing from a former powerful cabinet minister in the former president Moi's government and long time politician Joseph Kamotho.
Kamotho promised to help Kenneth in his campaigns and pledged his full suppport for the Gtatanga MP. "I will help this young man (Kenneth) to visit every corner of this country even where he does not know," said Kamotho during a fundraiser at Gatanga two weeks ago. Kenneth has been traversing various parts of the country where he has been attending harambees and asking Kenyans to choose their leaders wisely. The Saba Saba Asili party, Kenneth Matiba's party, has also invited him to use the party as his vehicle to State House and also vowed to support him as he battles to clinch the presidency.
Kenneth has interests in farming, insurance, real estate and manufacturing. He also has a lot of interest in sports, having been the chairman of Kenya Football Federation from 1996 to 2000, and Fifa committee member from 1998 to 2000. He also played as a goalkeeper for Re-Union football club.
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