Before she became Kenya’s fourth First Lady, Margaret Kenyatta was known to maintain a low profile away from the public limelight, so much so that despite her husband Uhuru Kenyatta being actively involved in politics, little was known about her.
Nonetheless, things were bound to take a swift turn for the seemingly shy Mrs Kenyatta, after her husband was elected to become the fourth President of Kenya.
During his last presidential campaign at Nairobi’s Uhuru Park in March 2013, Uhuru pleaded with the now First Lady to “say a word” to the humongous crowd, but she shyly declined and only waved at the audience saying “Hamjambo”.
Margaret Kenyatta declines to speak at Nairobi’s Uhuru Park in March 2013
Little did she know that reality was about to dawn and her husband’s win would push her out of her comfort zone and thrust her into the limelight - placing her at the centre of public attention.
After winning the hotly-contested presidential election and just before President-elect Kenyatta was sworn to office, Chief of the Defence Forces Gen Julius Karangi announced that First Lady-in-Waiting Margaret Kenyatta would hold the Bible as her husband takes Oath of office.
Gen Karangi was categorical while making the announcement: “This is a request by the President-elect. It can only be good that we grant him this wish on this historic day. We also take it as an order.”
The announcement elicited mixed reactions among Kenyans forcing Uhuru to step in and issue a statement explaining the break from the norm.
The anxiety arose from the fact that the three presidents who had preceded Uhuru, including Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel Moi, and Mwai Kibaki had all taken their oaths independent of their spouses.
One Wavinya Mutisya at the time questioned: “Who is being sworn in here, is it Uhuru or his wife? She can hold the Mic for him (sic), but not the Bible.”
An online user by the name Wycliffe Omondi argued: “Uhuru is trying to ape US President Barack Obama but Obama does not have the ICC case tying him down. Most people are trying to imagine that once Uhuru leaves for The Hague.”
In his explanation, the President-elect made it clear that Margaret was not holding the Bible “for him” but was doing it “with him”.
Margaret Kenyatta holding the Bible as Uhuru takes the Oath of Office
Uhuru explained that he had asked Margaret to hold the Bible as he takes the Oath of Office so that she can always remind him of the pledges he made to the Kenyan people.
“I have asked my friend and wife Margaret to hold the Bible together with me as I take the oath of office on Tuesday; a tradition exercised in most countries of the world. I promised to uphold family values and by having her stand alongside me, we will not only be vowing individually as recognised by the Constitution but also collectively as recognised by our marriage vows also enshrined in the law,” read the statement.
He added: “By holding the Bible, not for me but with me, as I take my Oath of Office, she will be committing herself to ensure she reminds me of my promise to the Kenyan people and also assuring Kenyans that family obligations will not interfere with my execution of duties as President.”
After the President's explanation, a section of those who had been anxious about the decision accepted the President's explanation.
During the inauguration, Uhuru's gracious wife, clad in a radiant black and white dress, was by his side holding their family bible - a gesture that is likely to shape how future presidents will take their oaths in Kenya.
In retrospect, Uhuru's decision has been vindicated as the First Lady has emerged as one of the strongest pillars of the current administration, especially through her charity efforts in health and environmentalism.
Margaret Kenyatta holding the Bible as Uhuru takes the Oath of Office
