Exit Uhuru, Muthaura

Prof Michael Chege, a policy analyst at the Ministry of Planning, says Mr Kenyatta’s resignation will have minimal impact on Treasury’s activities, as technocrats largely drive the ministry’s decisions and day-to-day activities.

“Although, he was quick to grasp issues related to the Treasury since he took over, operations at the ministry will go on as usual,” Prof Chege said, adding. “The only missing link will be his political leadership especially with Treasury’s connection to Parliament”. Prof Chege, however, added that this is a sign of the country’s maturing democracy.

“Kenyans are getting accustomed to more and more people resigning and this is a sign of a maturing democracy,” he said.

Economic analyst Robert Shaw says that the process of preparing the country’s 2012/2013 Financial Year budget is ongoing now, which requires the Finance minister’s maximum attention.

“I commend him for stepping aside due to the many other commitments he has right now. This gives the next minister sufficient time to take the process of preparing the country’s next budget,” Mr Shaw said.

Meanwhile, the 10-member team which was named by Attorney General Githu Muigai to advise the government on how to deal with the ICC will hold its first meeting on Monday, it has emerged.

It is understood Mr Kenyatta consulted widely on Monday and Tuesday with his lawyers, political friends and confidants before deciding to step aside. Sources said the decision will free time for him to concentrate on the case and his presidential campaigns.

Among those he met were Mr Ruto, Cabinet minister Soita Shitanda and MPs Eugene Wamalwa and Musikari Kombo.

As a sign of the determination to seek the presidency, he will join Mr Ruto today at a prayer rally in Eldoret.

On Saturday, the team moves to Ruiru for another rally.