Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, on Saturday, October 26, 2024, broke the silence as Kenyans from all over the country wished him a happy birthday as he turned 63.
Speaking during a lively conversation with Kameme FM presenter Muthoni wa Kirumba, the retired president excitedly expressed that he was doing well and appreciated Kenyans for the warm wishes.
He also prayed for the country’s peace and understanding for prosperity.
“I am well and I am at peace and am grateful to God. Am praying for peace and understanding in our nation as this is the only way our country will grow and prosper. And I have never had an issue with anyone and till date I have no issue with anyone” the former president said.
Birthday requests
The former Kenya’s Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces also held a separate conversation with Milele FM presenter Ankali Ray, where he further spoke about his wishes and aspirations as he turned a year older.
During the heartfelt talk with the presenter, Uhuru expressed gratitude for his good health and asked for longer life, safety, and national prosperity.
“Nashukuru Mungu kwa miaka na kuzingatia maisha yetu na pia kwa yote ametutendea. Tunamwomba atueke salama aeke taifa letu salama,” he added.
When asked how he spends his special day, Uhuru stated that he is normally accompanied by family and friends; however, this time he would be celebrating his 63rd birthday with a few of his friends from the African Union’s 15th High-Level Retreat, which he is presently attending in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
“Mara hii nimesafiri kidogo bado tuko kwa ile mkutano imenileta hapa, lakini pia hapa tutakua na wenzangu na labda tutaenda lunch pahali ama kitu kama hicho mkutano ikiisha.“
The former Head of State also sent a message to Kenyans urging them to maintain peace and unity amongst each other for the prosperity of the nation.
“Natakia wakenya amani na umoja, ningependa sisi wote tujue kwamba ni binadamu walio na mahitaji, tuache mambo ya kuzozana, kuingiliana na tushikane na tupendane kama wakenya,” he said.
The presenter further asked the former president for his song of choice to mark a new year, to which Uhuru suggested ‘Hakuna Mungu kama wewe‘. He also made a personal appeal to the host to play his wife, the former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, his all-time favourite ‘I Got You Babe‘ by UB40.
“Ningependa unicheze ule wimbo Hakuna Mungu kama wewe, huo utanitosha na kunifurahisha. Ukiniruhusu pia ningependa kutumia nafasi hii kutuma wimbo moja kwa familia yangu; Umenitumia moja na pia ningependa kumtumia mke wangu wimbo moja, I got you babe by UB40.”
Uhuru’s public appearance
The latest comes a day after the former Head of State appeared in public after weeks of absence.
In a statement shared by his social media office, the retired president was seen arriving in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, for the 15th High-Level Retreat on the Promotion of Peace, Security, and Stability in Africa.
“The retreat convened by the African Union (AU) Commission will focus on the Impact and Sustainability of AU Preventive Diplomacy and Mediation in addressing conflicts across the continent,” the Office of the 4th President of Kenya stated.
The images shared put to rest rumours about his health after speculations from concerned members of the public and the political divide.
Jubilee Party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni said: ” We have been receiving anxious queries on the whereabouts of the retired president and our assurances that he was well were not convincing.
“Now you have seen that your beloved leader is indeed as fit as a fiddle and soon will make circuits in the Kenyan space.”
Kirinyaga County Jubilee Chairman, Muriithi Kang’ara echoed Kioni’s sentiments saying Kenyatta’s comeback has washed away the anxiety grappling concerned citizens.
“There have been genuine but serious concerns about Mr Kenyatta’s long absence in the public glare and his comeback takes anxiety from us.”
