President Uhuru Kenyatta was treated to some lively entertainment by the Japanese Ambassador in Statehouse Nairobi on Tuesday, December 7.
Japan's ambassador to Kenya, Ryoichi Horie, treated the Head of State to a live performance together with his wife and fellow band members.
Before the performance, the ambassador discussed his tenure serving as a diplomat in Kenya before bidding the President farewell in a special way.
At the meeting, attended by Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo and Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua, the President thanked the outgoing envoy for helping deepen Kenya-Japan bilateral ties.
Uhuru noted that during the outgoing ambassador's tenure, several projects had taken shape in the country supported by the Japanese government. One of the outstanding projects is the construction of the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone.
During the performance, the ambassador treated Uhuru to a soothing rhythm, playing one of Eric Wainaina's songs, Daima. In the video, Uhuru was seen moved by the lyrical prowess and how well they articulated the Swahili words while singing.
Horie played the guitar and was joined by his wife, Yuko Horie in singing the patriotic song.
In the past interview, the Japanese ambassador noted that he uses such songs to create a bond with Kenyans.
"Music is a very good gateway to people's hearts. We try to practice Kiswahili songs. My friends told me that Daima by Eric Wainaina is a very beautiful song," the diplomat noted.
He sought permission from Wainaina before performing the song to Uhuru.
"I had to ask Erick if I should sing his song in public, and he gave me permission that is why I sing it," Horie stated.
The Japanese ambassador has since earned a nickname for his prowess in singing Swahili songs.
"I was given the name Memusi by a group of Maasai, which means lucky guy," he added.
In 2019, they also performed in front of Uhuru before the groundbreaking ceremony of Dongo Kundu.
Ryoichi has served as an ambassador for over 42 years.
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