Nairobi, Kenya: President Uhuru Kenyatta travelled to The Hague Tuesday for his status conference at the International Criminal Court; a day that will be remembered as the day he travelled as a civilian.
The day that was welcomed by rain showers, a phenomenal that could have been construed as blessings to the president as he travelled to face his accusers at the ICC.
The President on Monday handed presidential powers to his deputy William Ruto for the while that he will be away. It was evident he did not enjoy the full presidential benefits in terms of how he chose to travel to the airport and to the The Hague Tuesday.
Though he did travel in a convoy to the airport, it was not the usual presidential convoy. He drove into the airport at around 8am in a convoy of five personal vehicles accompanied by three of his body guards, his wife the First Lady Margaret Kenyatta and daughter Ngina Kenyatta.
With no sirens and government vehicles to announce his arrival as is the norm, one would have easily missed the president's arrival.
He wore jeans, a polo shirt, loafers and a blazer and not to mention a cap. He could easily have passed for any civilian at the business-first class terminal of the Kenya Airways flight which was his chosen mode of travel to the Netherlands.
Both political leaders and everyday citizens braved the morning showers to bid the president farewell as he left.
Some of the notable faces at the airport include East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism Cabinet Secretary (CS) Phyllis Kandie, Transport and Infrastructure CS Michael Kamau, Kericho Senator Charles Keter, Nairobi Senator Mike Mbuvi alias Sonko, Gatundu South Member of Parliament (MP) Moses Kuria, Kieni MP Kanini Kega, Taita Taveta MP Naomi Shaban and the speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi.
One lady who was at the airport at around 6.30am awaiting the arrival of the president had travelled all night from Taita Taveta to bid Uhuru Kenyatta goodbye.
"I left Taita at 11pm last night and arrived in Nairobi at 4am and I have been waiting for the president since then. I am just here to wish him a safe trip and I am praying that they will drop his case so that he can come back and continue with his presidential duties. I will travel back to Taita as soon as he leaves," explained Rose Kitava.
Rose who said she is often referred to as Rosie Plastic was dressed in a red dress with the National Alliance (TNA) logo, a political party headed by the President, a red afro wig and a scarf that resembled the Kenyan flag.
Her patience despite the cold weather signified the true meaning of patriotism.
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