How Uhuru Spent First Week After Handing Over Power to Ruto

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta walks down the dias after conducting his last inspection of a guard of honor at the Kasarai Stadium on Tuesday, September 13.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta walks down the dais after conducting his last inspection of a guard of honor as Head of State at the Kasarani Stadium on Tuesday, September 13.
Kenyans.co.ke

Former president, Uhuru Kenyatta, reportedly flew out of the country hours after handing over the instruments of power to his successor, William Ruto, on Tuesday, September 13.

The former head of state, whose 10-year tenure ended after Ruto's inauguration, proceeded on a vacation to contemplate his next course of action.

According to one of his allies who spoke to Nation Africa on Saturday, October 1, the trip was essential for Uhuru to relax and free his mind after the August 9 polls aftermath. 

Although his ally did not disclose Uhuru's destination, it was reported that the former head of state went to a reclusive destination. 

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta handing over a sword to President William Ruto on September 13, 2022.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta handing over a sword to President William Ruto on September 13, 2022.
Kenyans.co.ke

Uhuru still managed to keep a low profile while vacationing. His ally, however, did not divulge if Uhuru travelled with his family and confidants. 

However, after a weeklong of unwinding, Uhuru reportedly jetted back into the country privately without attracting any media attention.

He was also said to have skipped a thanksgiving party organised by Azimio la Umoja Presidential candidate Raila Odinga at Safari Park on Thursday, September 29.

"Kenyatta skipped to avoid creating a perception that he is still in a campaign mood," the confidant stated. 

It was also said that he was keen on crossing paths with President Ruto who appointed him as Kenya's special envoy. Ruto tasked his predecessor with mediating peace talks in Ethiopia and DRC. 

Raila organised the event to congratulate and thank the Azimio Secretariat for how they spearheaded his campaign despite losing to Ruto.

Apart from the thanksgiving party, the former president also missed Azimio la Umoja Parliamentary Group meeting, held in Athi River on September 16. The meeting was attended by top Azimio principals, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and his Narc Kenya counterpart Martha Karua among others.

Raila attended the meeting a day after returning to the country from a holiday in Zanzibar together with his family. 

Uhuru's last Azimio meeting was the Masai Lodge parliamentary group meeting in Kajiado county. In the meeting, Azimio strategised allocating leadership in the National Assembly and the Senate.

A night before the meeting, Uhuru had spent time with the former Prime Minister, who was nursing face injuries after falling off a treadmill. 

President William Ruto receives instruments of power from his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at Kasarani Stadium
President William Ruto receives instruments of power from his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at Kasarani Stadium
PCS