That Kenyans have moved on after the general elections is quite commendable and has continued to set inspiring examples to the continent and affirmation that democracy and rule of law do work.
Uhuru has now handed over power and it would be worthy to reflect on his leadership and what others could borrow to ensure that institutions function and operate smoothly.
Emerging to power in the post-Kibaki time and faced with ICC hurdles, Uhuru set his foot forward and continued the legacy of a man that he was unable to defeat in the 2002 general elections.
Faced with a nation that is grappling with a high level of poverty, poor education, a failing health system, an increase in crime and banditry and never-ending corruption, he worked around to bring order and stability.
Elected on the same ticket, Ruto was principal assistant to Uhuru and often received the backlash equally as praise from a discouraged nation.
Determined to overcome governance and economic challenges that seem to have befallen the majority of countries in Africa, he established a blueprint for the socio-economic transformation of Kenya.
While he was focused on moving the country up the ladder, he fought growing uneasiness from his deputy president and corruption allegations against some of the members of his cabinet.
He stirred the boat leading to the 2017 elections, where his political nemesis was disputed at the apex court and was nullified.
In midst of these obstacles and faced with the surmountable task of revamping economic growth and implementing the new constitution while seeking to deliver on promises made to Kenyans during their campaigns for a second term, Uhuru consolidated his political base by entering into a partnership with Raila Odinga and was famously known as a handshake.
This marked another start of mistrust between the president and his deputy president-a man that they fought hard together to drop the ICC tag successfully.
Against the challenges, the president's plate was full of government priorities.
He focused on national healing and reconciliation through BBI- a campaign that was fought and faced with mistrust from his closest circle but supported by the opposition team.
The government focused on the big four agenda and reorganisation of the structure and operations of the state.
Whether these two worked to end Uhuru's significance, would be an area that governance experts must devote much of their focus.
Determined to end the continued over-dependence on international aid, endless conflicts and poor population, Uhuru focused on food security, manufacturing, universal health and affordable housing as drivers of socio-economic transformation.
While undeterred he made countless trips to the east and west seeking support to implement these agendas. Against the increased corruption cases in his government, Uhuru moved the country's GDP.
Riding on the success of the big four, Uhuru sets the country on a moving trajectory, that his success must find the nexus and probably continue on that path against growing debt.
As he transitioned to becoming a senior citizen, Uhuru's legacy has shown us that fortunately none of Africa's problems is beyond the means and resources within the continent.
Although he wasn't able to achieve 100 per cent with a divided government, the country has enjoyed relative stability both in the economic and political leadership.
As Ruto assumes leadership it would be keenly observed whether he will build his government upon the foundation laid by Uhuru Kenyatta, a man that never supported his presidential bid to become the fifth president.
Elected to power on the economic promise, Ruto who won the election by a narrow margin, garnering 50.49 per cent of the votes to his closest challenger Raila Odinga’s 48.85 per cent must seek to unite a country whose largest population shy away from participating in elections.
Having fought and overcome legal battles and political intrigues often without the support of the deep state, Ruto must embrace national healing and inclusion to the level befitting a man of his stature.
As President Uhuru exits political space, Kenya has a thriving democracy and ours is a country whose commitment to rule of law is an inspiration to the world.
Uhuru has earned himself a prominent place among the nations by refusing to hold on to power until death or seek military support to continue ruling.
Whether we agree with his success and failures, is something that for now we must leave to the next government.
Accused by his closest circle of not doing much through the deep state to help Raila Odinga to win the elections, Uhuru leaves with a sense of pride for years of service.
Whether fulfilled or with a sense of failure, the son of Jomo must return to the Kenyans who sent him to the house on the hill.
The bold action by Uhuru to admit that he doesn't want to go against our constitutional order for peaceful transition has baffled and caught his critics and sympathisers with a huge surprise.
He has now handed over power to Ruto, a man they may have disagreed with privately and publicly, but both of them learned the art of politics from late President Moi.
Adios Uhuru and welcome Ruto.
The writer is a Mandela Washing Fellow and governance and leadership commentator
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
