Political bigwigs are taking time off their busy schedules to celebrate Christmas with their family members and constituents.
President William Ruto often travels to his rural home in Sugoi to mark Christmas and the New Year.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who was celebrating last Christmas as the Head of State, spent time with close family members in Nairobi.
The majority of them do take the time to take a break from the city and politics as they reunite with their families.
Additionally, they do take the time to reflect on the year as they strategise for the next year. Here is how top politicians have celebrated the festivities over the years.
William Ruto
Over the years, the Head of State has always traveled to his home in Sugoi, Uasin Gishu county to celebrate the festivities.
However, this year, Ruto will be expected to give an address to the nation on December 24 as has been done by his predecessors.
Nonetheless, Ruto could do a recorded press event to enable him to catch up with his family to celebrate the festivities in Sugoi.
Over the years, the President has hosted various community members where they share meals and gifts with the less fortunate.
"Our Almighty God chose such a time to send his angel with good news of great joy to humankind and teach us that, no matter how hard things get, we can have the assurance of God’s promise," Ruto stated in his 2021 Christmas message.
Raila Odinga
Just like Ruto, Raila together with his family usually travels to their rural home in Bondo. On Christmas Day, they occasionally attend a service at St. Michaels and All Angels Cathedral in Bondo.
Additionally, he occasionally hosts a party for various groups such as his friends, children and community members where they share a meal.
"Jesus impacted humans in ways that we refuse to forget more than 2,000 years later. Our lives certainly can’t match His, but we can make a difference just by trying.
"May the spirit of Utu, Undugu and Umoja guide our dealings through this festive season and be part of our national character going forward,’’ Rails stated in his 2021 Christmas message.
Kalonzo Musyoka
On the other hand, Wiper leader, Kalonzo Musyoka occasionally celebrates Christmas back at his Yatta Farm, Machakos county where he takes time to celebrate the festivities with his family.
Additionally, he often hosts political leaders who they deliberate on current political events as they strategise on their way forward.
The former Vice President also spends time inspecting some of his projects on his 200-acre farm.
Rigathi Gachagua
Gachagua occasionally moves back to his rural home in Mathira, Nyeri county to celebrate the festivities with his larger extended family.
In 2021, the DP went viral after he shared videos of himself dancing to Kikuyu music, Mugithi, alongside his wife Pastor Dorcas Rigathi at their home
"I took this Christmas time to revisit my favourite pastime. I took the whole day up to the wee hours of the morning to listen and dance to Mugithi numbers.
"My wife Pastor Dorcas did not disappoint. Mugithi is so addictive that I feel I could do it again today, tomorrow and even the day after. Thanks to one-man guitarist Noah and Lady Chiru. You made this Christmas great!" he stated then.
Uhuru Kenyatta
While serving as President, Uhuru often traveled to the Coast to celebrate the festivities.
He was often accompanied by former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta and a number of his siblings.
In particular, they spend the majority of their time in Mombasa county. On Christmas Day, they would attend church service and later in the afternoon retreat for celebrations with the family.
Since retirement, the President has spent his time in Narok County with reports indicating that he plans on building a tourist lodge in the area.
However, due to his engagements as a regional peace envoy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) he has spent time in the capital.
