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<p>Over the past decades, the continent has witnessed a unique phenomenon where the mantle of leadership has passed from fathers to sons, birthing dynasties that have left indelible marks on their countries' histories. </p>

<p>These familial successions are not just tales of power inheritance; they are intricate narratives of legacy, vision, and the enduring quest for continuity in leadership amidst Africa's evolving political milieu. </p>

<p>From Kenya's corridors of power to the dynamic political arenas of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Chad, Botswana, Togo, and Gabon, these father-son duos have governed, shaped policies, and navigated the complexities of African governance.</p>

<h2>Father-son duos who have served as presidents in Africa</h2>

<h3>1. Mzee Jomo Kenyatta &amp; Uhuru Kenyatta – Kenya</h3>

<p>Kenya's political scene has been significantly influenced by the Kenyatta family. Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, known as the founding father of the nation, led Kenya to independence from British colonial rule in 1963 and served as the country's first President until he died in 1978. </p>

<p>Decades later, his legacy continued through his son, Uhuru Kenyatta, who became the fourth President of Kenya in 2013. </p>

<p>Uhuru's leadership which ended in 2022, was marked by a focus on infrastructure development and digital innovation. </p>

From left: Kenya's 1st President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta & his son Uhuru Kenyatta, the 3rd President of Kenyan

<h2>2. Laurent Kabila &amp; Joseph Kabila – DRC</h2>

<p>The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) witnessed the rise of Laurent Kabila, who seized power in 1997, ending Mobutu Sese Seko's long-standing dictatorship. </p>

<p>His tenure was cut short when he was assassinated in 2001, paving the way for his son, Joseph Kabila, to take over. </p>

<p>Joseph Kabila's presidency, which lasted until 2019, was characterized by efforts to bring stability to a nation plagued by conflict, though his time in office was also marked by controversies over election delays and governance issues.</p>

Former DRC presidents Laurent Kabila & his son Joseph Kabila

<h2>3. Idris Deby Itno &amp; Mahat Idris Deby – Chad</h2>

<p>In Chad, Idris Deby Itno emerged as a pivotal figure, ruling the country from 1990 until he died in 2021. </p>

<p>Following his demise, his son, Mahamat Idris Deby, was named interim President by a transitional council. </p>

<p>This transition highlighted the military's role in Chad's political sphere and raised questions about the future of governance and democracy in the country.</p>

CHad's 1st President Idris Deby Itno & his son Mahat Idris Deby, the 2nd President of Chad

<h2>4. Seretse Khama &amp; son Ian Khama – Botswana</h2>

<p>Botswana's political narrative has been significantly shaped by the Khama family. Seretse Khama, the nation's first President, is revered for his leadership and principles that guided Botswana to prosperity and stability from 1966 to 1980. </p>

<p>His son, Ian Khama, continued his father's legacy, serving as President from 2008 to 2018. </p>

<p>Ian's tenure was marked by a focus on economic development and conservation efforts, maintaining Botswana's status as one of Africa's most stable democracies.</p>

Former Presidents of Botswana, Seretse Khama & his son Ian Khama

<h2>5. Gnassingbe Eyadema &amp; son Faure Gnassingbe - Togo</h2>

<p>Togo presents another example of political succession within a family. Gnassingbe Eyadema ruled Togo with an iron fist for 38 years until he died in 2005. </p>

<p>His son, Faure Gnassingbe, succeeded him, continuing the family's grip on power.</p>

<p>Faure's leadership has been characterised by both efforts toward modernization and criticisms regarding electoral processes and governance practices.</p>

First President of Togo, Gnassingbe Eyadema & his son Faure Gnassingbe, the 2nd President of Togo

<h2>6. Omar Bongo &amp; son Ali Bongo – Gabon</h2>

<p>Lastly, in Gabon, the Bongo family has been at the helm of the country's politics for decades. </p>

<p>Omar Bongo Ondimba governed Gabon for 41 years, establishing a legacy of relative stability and economic development from 1967 to 2009.  </p>

<p>His son, Ali Bongo Ondimba, took office in 2009, focusing on diversifying Gabon's oil-dependent economy and environmental conservation. </p>

From left: Gabon's 1st President Omar Bongo & his son Ali Bongo, the 2nd President of Gabon

<p>However, until the end of his tenure in 2023, his presidency faced challenges, including questions about political pluralism and electoral integrity.</p>

Mzee Jomo Kenyatta & Uhuru Kenyatta, Laurent Kabila & Joseph Kabila, Idris Deby Itno & Mahat Idris Deby, Seretse Khama & son Ian Khama, Gnassingbe Eyadema & son Faure Gnassingbe, Omar Bongo & son Ali Bongo have served as presidents in Africa

From left: Kenya's 1st President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta & his son Uhuru Kenyatta, the 3rd President of Kenyan ( Both wearing a military regalia)

List of father-son duos who have served as presidents in Africa

Andreas Kamasah

<h1>The President triggered angry reactions following his recent claim that he can only hand over power when his term ends in 2022 unless he is sure whoever takes over from him will not oppress Kenyans and dissipate the country’s resources for parochial gains.&nbsp;</h1>

<p>According to Tuko.co.ke, Mr. Kenyatta said this on Wednesday, February 10, in Nairobi while drumming support for the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).</p>

<p>"My aim is to ensure that those who will assume office after me will not be thieves who will oppress Kenyans. I will only leave the office to someone Kenyans can trust and who will unite them," said Uhuru.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His failure to mention names has triggered speculations among the citizenry as to who exactly he might be directing the subtle attacks at.</p>

<p><strong>READ ALSO: </strong><a href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/filla/knust-student-reportedly-arrested-for-threatening-to-burn-down-supreme-court-over/l914kj0"><strong>KNUST student reportedly arrested for threatening to burn down Supreme Court over Jean Mensa</strong></a></p>

<p>Mr. Kenyatta further said that he would not be distracted because his priority now is to fulfill the promises he made to Kenyans before he exits office.</p>

<p>"I don't care those who move around insulting me, my focus right now is on Kenyans who elected me into office, I will make sure I fulfill my promise to them," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some Kenyans took to Twitter to voice out their reservations about their president’s remarks, reminding him that the power to choose who succeeds him is the sole prerogative of the Kenyan citizens.</p>

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Unfortunately for Uhuru and FORTUNATELY for Kenyans he doesn’t get to decide who he hands over to. The PEOPLE of KENYA decide based on their votes who it’s handed over to! He doesn’t get to decide for Kenyans perhaps the day this will sink in Makasiriko itaisha! <a href="https://t.co/S4xZVnKW6B">https://t.co/S4xZVnKW6B</a></p>&mdash; Susan Kihika (@susankihika) <a href="https://twitter.com/susankihika/status/1359598310491832328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">No one has stolen from the Kenyan people more than Jomo Kenyatta, Uhuru Kenyatta, Daniel arap Moi and their families. <br><br>No, Despot Uhuru Kenyatta: You will and must hand over power to whoever the Great People of Kenya choose. The Constitution of Kenya 2010 is SUPREME.</p>&mdash; Dr. Miguna Miguna (@MigunaMiguna) <a href="https://twitter.com/MigunaMiguna/status/1359661335525679106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Uhuru said &quot;I can&#39;t handover to a thief&quot; and a section of people are up in arms. 😆😆😆. Why? Kwani do they know who the thief is? Not that Uhuru hasn&#39;t presided over the grand looting of this nation but I just want to know why a section is so bitter about that remark...</p>&mdash; Juma G 🇰🇪 (@jumaf3) <a href="https://twitter.com/jumaf3/status/1359579311435632647?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mmmhhh! Today, President Uhuru Kenyatta said he is not going to hand over the Presidency to a THIEF! .. At least I know I have never stolen public funds, grabbed public or private land or taken Bribes! I am glad he may hand over the Presidency to me ..Those targeted need to hear! <a href="https://t.co/W1gp3vaUWo">pic.twitter.com/W1gp3vaUWo</a></p>&mdash; Donald B Kipkorir (@DonaldBKipkorir) <a href="https://twitter.com/DonaldBKipkorir/status/1359582638592450563?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Seems he&#39;s seen the light finally. Jomo took a lot of land unjustly - we still have squatters in the coast. Ampokonye mama Ngina arudishie wakenya. Covid thieves too, and everyone who has stolen under his watch...washikwe sasa rather than scheming against them forever</p>&mdash; Baariu Martin (@BaariuMarts) <a href="https://twitter.com/BaariuMarts/status/1359620098399567873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Some unhappy Kenyans have taken to Twitter to make it categorically clear to the country’s president <a href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/ece-frontpage/kenyas-president-uhuru-kenyatta-calls-for-enhanced-trade-ties-with-ghana/wjd5q9e">Uhuru Kenyatta</a> that he has no power to decide who succeeds him after the expiration of his tenure.

I won’t hand over the presidency to any thief – Uhuru Kenyatta sparks controversy

I won’t hand over the presidency to any thief – Uhuru Kenyatta sparks controversy (video)

Uhuru Kenyatta

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