As President Uhuru Kenyatta hosts leaders from the Mt Kenya region at the Sagana State Lodge on Wednesday, February 23, his allies have promised earthshaking statements that will shape the politics of the country ahead of the August 9 polls.
Unknown to many, the state lodge was a gift from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to the Kenyan government after Kenya attained its independence. The Queen had acquired the lodge as a gift from her father after her wedding.
Over the years, particularly during President Uhuru Kenyatta’s reign, Sagana has been at the center stage of the country’s politics following a series of political meetings that have been held at the lodge.
Here are key declarations that were made at the state lodge that have shaped the country's politics in the recent past.
22/1/2017- Uhuru’s Statement on the 2017 Election Results
As the country was preparing for the 2017 General Election, President Uhuru Kenyatta, during a press briefing, announced that he would accept defeat in the event that he lost elections.
Uhuru made the statements in relation to a trend in some African countries where sitting heads of state refused to exit power once they lost the elections. The Head of State promised a smooth and peaceful transition in the event that he lost in the polls to ODM leader Raila Odinga who was his main challenger under the NASA coalition.
At the time, opposition parties were working towards a formidable political force that would trump the Jubilee party in the elections.
"I will respect the decision of Kenyans after the August 8, General Election. The rule of law and the will of Kenyans must reign supreme at all times” Uhuru stated then.
15/11/2019 - Uhuru Contradicts Ruto Over Kibra Elections
At the height of his fallout with his Deputy William Ruto, President Kenyatta openly differed with the DP regarding Kibra by-election. The Head of State who was meeting Mt. Kenya leaders stated that the elections were peaceful, crediting it to the handshake between him and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
This was after Ruto took to social media to hit out at Raila over skirmishes that were witnessed during the campaign trail and the election day.
"In all my years, I had never thought that people could campaign peacefully in Kibra. Despite the fact that a few people were stoned, we did not see any shop getting burnt or people having a hard time moving," Uhuru differed with Ruto.
29/1/2021 - Uhuru Speaking on Succession Politics
While meeting with Members of County Assemblies (MCAs), Uhuru commented on his pledge to support Ruto's presidential bid upon his retirement.
During the meeting, President Uhuru Kenyatta made a u-turn over his earlier statement, famously referred to as yangu kumi, yake kumi (two terms for me, two terms for him). At the time, President Kenyatta hit out at his deputy even as his bromance with his handshake brother blossomed.
"I have never said I will not support William Ruto, why do you keep insulting me? Yes, I said yangu kumi, yake kumi iliisha lini? (Yes I said that I will serve my two terms and then he serves his two terms. But has my term ended?)
"I have been busy with work, doing what you asked me to do. The rest have been making noise," he stated.
Consequently, allies of the DP hit out at the President for betraying his deputy.
Despite the political activities that have dominated the state lodge, there are light moments that have also taken place there.
15/9/2017 - Uhuru Gifting Igembe MP a Brand New Car
After his re-election, Uhuru gifted Igembe South MP John Mwiringi, a first-term MP, a brand new car after he defeated the Jubilee candidate during the polls.
This came after the story of Mwiringi went viral after he was elected to parliament at the age of 23 years old.
17/8/2018 - Uhuru Makes Appearance With Female Aide de Camp
While hosting top performers from the Kenya National Music Festival finals, Uhuru was accompanied by a female Aide De Camp (ADC) for the first time.
Following images that circulated on social media platforms, it was revealed that Lieutenant Colonel Rachel Nduta Kamui was Uhuru's assistant ADC.
