Uhuru dances to 'Red Red Wine'

President Uhuru Kenyatta (right) during the UB40 concert at the Carnivore Grounds on Saturday night. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Legendary UK reggae band UB40 thrilled revellers, who included President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga, with renditions of their hit songs at the Carnivore Grounds on Saturday night.

Ali Campbell and Terence Wilson were able to put aside the pre-concert drama and deliver a memorable performance.

After a busy day presiding over several functions in Kirinyaga and Meru counties, Uhuru turned up at the event where he was introduced by the master of ceremonies, Jeff Koinange, to a cheering crowd.

The President then joined other patrons in singing along to the band’s signature tunes like Red Red Wine and Cherry Oh Baby.

Uhuru’s love for UB40 goes back many years. In 2008, he attended their concert in Kampala, Uganda. It was clear that he was having a ball Saturday night as he danced in the company of close family members.

Top Government officials including Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed and Heritage Principal Secretary Josephat Mukobe were also at the exclusive VVIP tent.

BBI forum

As the night wore on, Raila, who had spent the day in Kitui County leading a Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) consultative forum, walked in moments after the President had left.

His arrival prompted DJ Lyte to play the hit song Nobody Can Stop Reggae by Lucky Dube. The song's title has become a clarion call in BBI rallies after Raila used it during a meeting in Mombasa to declare that the push for constitutional reforms was unstoppable.

Raila danced on stage with Kieni MP Kanini Kega, Kanu Secretary Nick Salat and Gender Chief Administrative Secretary Rachel Shebesh, among others.

UB40 is on a tour dubbed the ‘Real Labour of Love’ that is meant to celebrate their 40 years in the music industry.

The band was formed in 1978 by two brothers, Ali and Robin Campbell, who split in 2008 following managerial differences.

Ali kept the band name and recruited Wilson and a third member, Mickey Virtue.

Before Saturday's concert, a rival group had taken to social media and denounced Ali and Wilson, saying they were not part of the UK reggae band.