Uhuru’s Silent Presence at Azimio Service Raises Questions
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta did not speak at the memorial service for protesters held on Friday, July 27, despite attracting national attention with his unannounced arrival.
In a televised interview, Kenyatta had accused the government of conducting a witch search. Analysts believe that the former chief of state took a back seat as part of a strategy to keep the nation guessing about his next course of action.
Speaking to GossipA2Z on Saturday, July 28, embattled Jubilee party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni stated that the opposition leaders consented to allow Uhuru to remain silent at the event held at the Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka Command Center in Karen, Nairobi.
He elaborated that the ceremony was held to mourn the demonstrators who, according to their claims, were injured or killed by police brutality.
Former Ndaragwa Member of Parliament Kioni indicated that the joint statement Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka read represented their collective views and posture on the Azimio protests, the excessive use of force against protesters, and the way forward.
“We were there to comfort and console the family of the deceased. We were also there to pray for the afflicted and wish them a speedy recovery. It was not a day for speeches, but rather for being there for the family,” Kioni revealed as the meeting’s solitary purpose.
Uhuru made an impromptu appearance at the memorial service on Friday, signaling his return to public events in Azimio after an absence of several months. Kioni typically acted as the former president’s representative at rallies and press conferences.
The former President arrived at the venue shortly after 10 a.m. and remained until 3 p.m. for the duration of the service.
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In addition to placing flowers for the deceased, the former president made a generous donation of one million Kenyan Shillings to the bereaved families. Similarly, former prime minister Raila Odinga contributed.
After accusing the government of intending to interfere with their service, the opposition co-principals repeatedly changed the venue from De Paul Grounds to SKM Centre in Karen.
According to reports, police in Karen intended to bar their access to the premises.
The Tactical Strategy of Uhuru
Barrack Muluka, a political analyst, told GossipA2Z that Uhuru’s presence at the event was a statement in and of itself.
“His presence could be understood in a variety of ways. “Those who believe he participated in the protests will examine it and use it as evidence,” he stated.
Additionally, Muluka, who possesses a Ph.D. in Politics and International Relations, stated that the former Head of State needed to take a back seat or risk losing his political stature.
“His advisors should advise him to relax. He should not participate in the activities of commoners. “As an eagle, he should fly rather than appear to be approaching the chicken on the ground, as he will be treated as such,” the analyst advised.
Notably, President William Ruto’s allies asserted that Uhuru’s attendance at Friday’s event was evidence of his support and participation in the protest, despite the former president and his team repeatedly denying such claims.
“When we stated that Uhuru is the primary sponsor of Tinga/Azimio-OKA Maandamos and economic sabotage, many sycophants scoffed at the notion. Senator Samson Cheragei of Nandi declared, “Finally, he’s come out to investigate his sponsorship.”
Uhuru’s Silent Presence at Azimio Service Raises Questions
