Raila celebrates his birthday with Uhuru
President Uhuru Kenyatta helps ODM leader Raila Odinga to cut his cake during celebrations to mark his 74th birthday at his Nyali house in Mombasa, County, January 7, 2019. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- The president was pictured helping the ODM leader cut his cake, flanked by his wife Ida and daughter Rosemary Odinga, at his Nyali house. Mr Odinga turned 74.
- The ODM leader earlier cut a cake at governor Joho’s Treasury Square office and shared it with his coast lieutenants.
- On a light note, President Kenyatta noted that he had about three days before the end of his holiday. He said he will enjoy them.
A light mood filled Mombasa on Monday when ODM leader Raila Odinga celebrated his birthday with President Uhuru Kenyatta, another mark of their new friendship since their handshake on March 9, 2018.
The president was pictured helping the Orange Democratic Movement leader cut his cake, flanked by his wife Ida and daughter Rosemary Odinga, at his Nyali house. Mr Odinga turned 74.
BIRTHDAY SONG
Leaders proceeded to Mr Odinga’s home after President Kenyatta visited Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho at his office and launched the Mama Ngina waterfront project, which cost Sh460 million.
During the launch, President Kenyatta said “leo ni birthday ya wengine”, while ending his speech while Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala thrilled the crowd when he said Mr Odinga had turned "only 54" and that he was a millennial.
Mr Balala and Governor Joho led the crowd in singing the birthday song for Mr Odinga as President Kenyatta and other dignitaries watched.
“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Baba, happy birthday to you," they sang.
The governor had not mentioned mention Mr Odinga while recognising other leaders but later explained that he wanted to do "something special" for a person he views as his political demigod.
Mr Odinga is a principal of the National Super Alliance and the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa.
The president said, “I am happy to be in Mombasa with my brother Raila Odinga. I wish him a happy birthday."
