When President Uhuru Kenyatta took over power in 2013, he stated that he would demystify the presidency.
Throughout his rule, while his demeanor has been presidential for the most part, he has also had instances where he has wowed Kenyans by doing the unexpected.
In this article, we highlight 5 times he has broken protocol while carrying out his duties as president and sometimes while in his capacity as a Kenyan citizen.
Fixing a Gun Magazine During Guard of Honour
In February 2016 Uhuru picked a gun magazine and fixed it on an officer's firearm, during the passing out ceremony of Administration Police (AP) graduates.
Kenyatta was inspecting a parade mounted by the fresh officers at the AP Training College in Embakasi, Nairobi, when he noticed that one of the officers had dropped his magazine.
He picked the magazine and put it back where it belonged as the officer remained stiff as if nothing had happened.
Officers leading Kenyatta stopped and gazed at him rectifying the hitch before rubbing his hands after which he proceeded with the inspection.
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6-Year-Old Boy State House Tour
In October 2017, Omar Mohamed, who was 6 years old, was invited to State House, Mombasa after a video of him arguing with an adult over the contentious August polls went viral.
The head of state seemed very delighted and carried the young boy around while they had a chit chat as he gave him a tour of the highly guarded place.
Uhuru even let the boy kiss him on the cheek after which Omar stated that he would look good as a Muslim.
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2019 Christmas Party
President Kenyatta organised a party for children of State House staff who were joined by youngsters from various childrens homes in Nairobi.
He allowed them access to some of the sensitive areas and presidential items, including official vehicles such as the limousine, ambulance, presidential escort motorbike and the ceremonial Land Rover which was not spared.
The children and their minders were also allowed to freely take photographs which are normally restricted due to the security status of the installation.
Sneaked Into Neighbouring Compound to Dance With Choir
In 2015, Uhuru strolled out of State House, Nairobi, and made an impromptu visit to the Permanent Presidential Music Commission offices, where a choir was rehearsing to entertain President Barack Obama.
President Kenyatta was accompanied by his son, Muhoho, with a security detail of about 20 men in tow.
He walked in on the team unawares, sending them into a frenzy. The president is known to love the song, Tushangilie Kenya.
At the end of the dance, the head of state openly promised leading music composer, Mwalimu Thomas Wesonga, who led the rehearsals, that he would send “some chai” for the choir members to enjoy.
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Jamming at the UB40 Concert
President Kenyatta joined Kenyans who had attended the UB40 concert in February 2020.
Uhuru was seen jamming to the music surrounded by citizens among them, news anchor Jeff Koinange.
Though his bodyguards were certainly close by, they didn’t make their presence noticeable and allowed the head of state to mingle with other revellers.
ODM party leader Raila Odinga was not to be left behind either as he joined his BBI partner at the concert, with the two taking to the stage, where they went on to show off their dance moves, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
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