For a man who was brought up surrounded with a privileged lifestyle based on his father's social status, President Uhuru Kenyatta has mastered the art of uniquely interacting with all members of the society regardless of class.
In the latest revelation, Uhuru displayed his easy-going nature in 2002 by trusting a boda boda operator in Teso, Busia County, with his first-ever ride.
In an interview with The Star newspaper, the operator, Donald Omai, 49, narrated that he was entrusted in transporting the president but only one accomplishment remained, meeting Uhuru at State House as he had been promised.
It all started with a phoned call from the then area member of the National Assembly, Albert Ekirapa, advising him to mobilise his workmates and ensure that they both had valid driving licenses.
“I was the chairman of Teso District Boda Boda Association, and Hon Albert Ekirapa was the MP for Amagoro.
“Prior to the visit, Ekirapa called me and said Uhuru Kenyatta was scheduled to visit Amagoro. He told me to organise my colleagues because I was their chairman so that we give him a warm welcome. I mobilised my boys and we were 50 in total," narrated Omai.
Uhuru was going to campaign in Teso at the time, ahead of the 2002 General Election. He was the preferred candidate by the then Commander-in-Chief, President Daniel Moi.
“We got clearance from the District Commissioner to welcome him as planned... Good luck I had a driving licence. I was among the first boda boda riders to obtain a driving licence here," he continued.
When the president arrived in his helicopter at Amagoro Polytechnic grounds, he alighted and went straight to Omai's motorcycle.
“He alighted and came straight to my motorbike and boarded because I was strategically standing facing the helicopter door. I was so delighted.
“As we were driving towards the hotel, he asked my name and I told him I am Donald Omai. He told me since he was born, he had never boarded a motorcycle," he recounted.
"He said he was happy to have boarded one for the first time while in Teso," he added.
Shortly after the encounter, Omai's motorcycle was heavily guarded owing to their 'newfound friendship' which seemingly never progressed as Uhuru is yet to invite him to State House.
“After the meeting that lasted for an hour, Uhuru told me to mobilise youth to campaign for him. He also told me because I carried him when he first boarded a motorbike, he would invite me to State House if he became president," he continued.
He has since tried to gain entrance to the house at the hill with no avail.
“I realised during my first visit in 2014 that gaining access to State House is difficult. I have gone there four times, hoping to be granted access," he continued.
Omai has worked in the boda boda industry for 18 years now.
