President Kenyatta surprises Mombasa residents in first public appearance since elections

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday made a public appearance for the first time since the August 9, 2022 General Election.

President Kenyatta, who was in the company of leaders allied to the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party, dined at his usual favourite spot - the Barka Restaurant in Old Town, Mombasa.

The Head of State then emerged from the restaurant and broke protocol as he chose to stroll through the streets while acknowledging greetings from Mombasa residents.

He was accompanied by, among others, former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, his successor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, as well as Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro and Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda.

President Kenyatta has not been seen out in public since he cast his vote at the Mutomo Primary School polling station in Gatundu South on August 9.

His deputy, William Ruto, went on to be declared President-elect by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati; an announcement that has since been contested at the Supreme Court.

The President had – in the State House showdown – backed Raila Odinga, who is challenging Ruto’s win with a team of 42 lawyers against the latter’s 54.

After voting on the Election Day, President Kenyatta was next seen on August 13 when he met a team of AU/COMESA election observers, led by former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma.

Five days later, he met and held discussions with U.S Senator Chris Coons, as well as religious leaders who paid him a courtesy call on the same day.

Both meetings, however, happened at State House, hence making the Mombasa sojourn his first public appearance in over three weeks.