PRESIDENT UHURU AT UON:

PRESIDENTIAL STATURE

By Maritim Kipngetich

Sirens and cars moving in high speed were heard at the University of Nairobi's vicinity. Approximately 50 cars and about 20 police motorbikes were passing University Way. People in town were mesmerised. All over sudden university gate opened and people were told to keep off the gate and stand in a safe distance.

Photo: Presidential motorcade

Men in black suits and dark eye glasses emerged out of the cars while the cars were still in motion. The university compound was highly decorated and one most interesting thing was that the cars were parked in a VIP parking place at the university. Within thirty seconds or so, a brown told man emerged out of the car after an officer in police uniform opened a car-door for him. At the moment he stood upright, the officer in uniform saluted him. This is a big man, President of the Republic of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta at the University of Nairobi.

The only people who were allowed to welcome the president were seniour staff at the university. No one else could be spared. Not even photojournalists who were trying to take still photos and motion pictures showing majestic movement of the president as he walked towards visitors' launch.

Some University of Nairobi students who were in black suit welcomed the president at a safe distance with their popular slogan “comrades’ power”, but they changed the tune and shouted “Uhuru eeh! Uhuru aah!” This amused the president who laughed loudly.

For some who had never seen how the president is treated when he visits a place, they were there for a shock. All the way from his Land-Cruiser Brado to where he was supposed to go, he walked on a red-carpeted floor.

He was taken to vice-chancellor’s office before he addressed the growth in the famous Taifa Hall. A huge tent was built outside the hall and people occupied it fully. Several others who could not get a place to seat inside were outside waiting for the president to finish his speech before he addressed them outside.

President Kenyatta (right) touring University Towers that is yet to be completed.

He later came out of the hall and addressed the growth outside. He left the venue shortly after 5pm after touring the 22-Storeyed University Towers under construction.The president had come to launch Presidential Digital Talent Program that enhances service delivery to citizens through effective and efficient use of information communication technologies (ICT). Through internships, the programme will offer participants an opportunity to understand government services, giving them an opening to contribute towards improving service delivery to Kenyan citizens.