Azimio-One Kenya principal Kalonzo Musyoka graced President William Ruto's first national celebrations at the Uhuru Gardens.
In images seen by Kenyans.co.ke, Kalonzo was on the main dais together with other top government officials.
Ruto exchanged greetings with the former Vice President at the dais after inspecting a guard of honour.
The President was not aware of his presence and was only alerted by the Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro, who signalled him that Kalonzo was seated at the end of the front row.
After greeting the UDA party leadership including Secretary-General Veronica Maina and Chairman Johnstone Muthama, Ruto had a tete-a-tete with the Wiper leader.
The Azimio principal was seated beside outgoing Attorney-General, Kihara Kariuki, and was accompanied by Embakasi South MP Musili Mawathe.
His presence came as a surprise, given his previous stance that Azimio will not engage with the government in any other ways apart from keeping it in check.
It further raised speculation whether the coalition's party leader Raila Odinga, who is out of the country on a 10-day trip to India, was aware that he was attending the event.
In the days leading to the August 9 General Election, Ruto had launched a charm offensive to woo Kalonzo to his Kenya Kwanza Alliance, including offering him a job in government.
However, the Azimio principal chose to back Raila for the third time in the Opposition Chief's fifth stab at the presidency.
Meanwhile, Odinga's running mate Martha Karua sent a message to Kenyans celebrating the nations heroes who for the freedom enjoyed in the country.
"Today I celebrate the many men and women who have born the cost of our freedoms we enjoy. To the freedom fighters, activists, politicians and brave journalists who have never given up the pursuit of true liberation for our people
It is has come at a great cost, but it is not in vain, and we are not yet there. In honour of them, we must continue to fight for, protect and hand over the gains of freedom to those that come after," Karua stated
