Kwame Kenyatta won't seek re-election for Detroit City Council

DETROIT (WXYZ) - Detroit City Council member Kwame Kenyatta tells 7 Action News he will not seek re-election.

About his decision not to seek re-election councilman Kenyatta says, "They say you've got to know when to hold them and know when to fold them, its time for me to fold them."

Part of the reason he is retiring is his frustration with the Financial Stability Agreement that he voted against.

He has also openly voiced his opposition to the consent agreement and has grown increasingly disturbed by the increase in violence in the city.

"While we sit at the table politicking and politricking there's a blood bath out there," Kenyatta says. "The Governor talks about the financial sense of urgency. We need to handle the human deficit."

Kenyatta plans to finish out his term then go back to his roots. He first made a name for himself as a community activist.

Kenyatta was first elected to council in November of 2005.

Before serving on City Council, Kenyatta served as Wayne County Commissioner of the 7th District and was the Vice President of the Detroit Board of Education.