Former President Uhuru Kenyatta received a flood of birthday greetings as Kenyans gathered to commemorate his 62nd birthday on October 26, 2023. Despite his quiet retirement from the spotlight, Kenyatta’s legacy in infrastructure and energy development lives on in many people’s hearts.
Uhuru Kenyatta was born on October 26, 1961, and is best known for his achievements as President, including the iconic Nairobi Expressway, which is used daily by thousands of vehicles. He is the son of Kenya’s first president, Jomo Kenyatta, and his mother, Mama Ngina Kenyatta.
Kenyatta’s public service journey began with the Kenya Tourism Board, and he later transitioned into politics when President Daniel arap Moi nominated him to Parliament and the Cabinet, where he assumed the Local Government docket.
Although his first presidential bid in 2002 failed, he went on to become an influential Opposition leader who supported the re-election of an incumbent president, Mwai Kibaki. This shift in Kenyan politics heralded a new era of political diversity.
Following the disputed 2007 presidential election, President Kibaki and his challenger, Raila Odinga, reached a historic power-sharing agreement in 2008. This agreement elevated Uhuru Kenyatta to the position of Deputy Prime Minister in the Grand Coalition Cabinet, where he continued to play a key role in shaping the country’s future.
Kenyans from all walks of life took to social media to express their warm birthday wishes for Uhuru Kenyatta:
1) “Oh yes. The only national holiday that can’t be turned into a circus by clowns. Today is the day! It’s H.E Uhuru’s birthday.”
2) “It’s Uhuru’s big day. A president who only wanted to leave the country in safe hands but Zakayo happened.”
3) “We really miss H.E Uhuru; he was indeed a visionary and a statesman. May the peace of God that surpasses all understanding be his portion all the days of his life. Happy birthday, our Kingpin.”
4) “Happy Birthday!” Our future leaders will look up to you, and we hope that we will have the courage to take the reins and change the course of our country.”**
Kenyans put aside their political differences on this special day to honor the legacy of a leader who has left an indelible mark on the country. People’s warm wishes reflect their respect and appreciation for the former president. Uhuru Kenyatta, happy 62nd birthday!