During the memorial service for protesters held on Friday, July 27, former President Uhuru Kenyatta did not address the audience, despite attracting nationwide attention with his unannounced arrival.
All eyes were on Kenyatta, who had accused the government of a witchhunt in a televised interview. However, the former head of state strategically took a back seat in what analysts perceive as a strategic plan to keep the nation guessing his next course of action.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke on Saturday, July 28, embattled Jubilee party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni stated that the opposition leaders collectively agreed to allow Uhuru to maintain his silence at the event held at the Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka Command Center in Karen, Nairobi.
He elaborated that the ceremony was dedicated to mourning the loss of protesters who they claimed were injured by the police or succumbed to their brutality.
Kioni, the former Ndaragwa MP, indicated that the joint statement Wiper leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, read represented their collective views and stance on Azimio protests, excessive force meted on protesters and the way forward.
"We were there to encourage and feel the family of those who passed on. We were also there to pray and wish a quick recovery to those injured.
"It was not a day for speeches but for being there for the family," Kioni disclosed the sole real of the meeting.
Uhuru made an impromptu appearance at the Friday memorial service, marking his return to Azimio public events after several months of absence. Kioni usually represented the former President at rallies and press conferences.
The former President arrived at the venue minutes past 10 am and stayed through the service until 3 pm.
In addition to laying flowers to honour the deceased, the former President made a generous donation of Ksh1 million towards the bereaved families. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga also made a similar contribution.
However, the opposition co-principals repeatedly changed venues from De Paul Grounds to SKM Centre in Karen after accusing the government of planning to interfere with their service.
Reports alleged that police planned to block them from accessing the grounds in Karen.
Uhuru's Tactical Strategy
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke political analyst Barrack Muluka opined that Uhuru's presence at the event was a statement in itself.
"His presence could be interpreted in many ways. Those who believe that he has been involved in the protests will look at it and use it as proof," he stated.
Muluka, who holds a PhD in Politics and International Relations, also expressed that the former Head of State needed to take a back seat as he risked losing his political stature.
"His advisers should tell him to sit back. He should not be involved in what common people are doing. As an eagle, he should fly instead of being seen to be coming to take the chicken on the ground because he will be treated as one," the analyst advised.
Notably, President William Ruto's allies asserted that Uhuru's presence at the Friday event was an affirmation of his support and involvement in the protest, despite the former President and his team repeatedly denying such claims.
"When we said Uhuru is the chief sponsor of Tinga/Azimio-OKA Maandamos and economic sabotage, many minions dismissed it. Finally, he has come out to check on his sponsorship," Nandi Senator Samson Cheragei claimed.
