Kenyans celebrate Uhuru Kenyatta as he turns 62

 Former President Uhuru Kenyatta [File, Standard]

It has been slightly over a year since former President Uhuru Kenyatta handed over the instruments of power to President William Ruto, marking the end of his regime as the Head of State.

The ‘Son of Jomo’, as he is referred to by some, has kept a low profile since, making just a handful of appearances in the last few months.

Uhuru was and still is a popular figure among Kenyans, some of whom have admitted to missing his off-the-cuff speeches where he would utter exactly what was in his mind.

On Thursday, October 26, 2023, Uhuru turned 62 and netizens took to X (formerly Twitter) to convey their wishes.

Mind you this was the very platform where he would be ridiculed and insulted. In fact, at one point the heat was too much that he opted to quit.

This was back in 2019. Uhuru said the platform had become too toxic and he could not keep up with the negativity.

“Ata twitter niliondoka huko nikaona hiyo kitu ni bure ni matusi tu. Unakaa hapo unasoma hulali. Afadhali nilale nipige story na mama…nilale niamke niende kufanya kazi,” he said amid laughter from those attending a BBI event at the time.

When his account was deactivated, Uhuru was one of the most followed African leaders on Twitter as @UKenyatta had around 3.62 million followers.

Fast forward to 2023 and Kenyans used the same platform to praise his legacy.

Cornelius Ronoh: Uhuru Kenyatta, the epitome of charm and charisma. He's always happy and adored by the people.

Eugene Wamalwa: Happy birthday @4thPresidentKE Uhuru Kenyatta,a man am proud to call my friend &leader who left footprints on the sands of time of our Nation for generations to come,through devolution& phenomenal infrastructural development.May you live long to see Kenya miss you for a long time

Boni Khalwale: Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Happy birthday to you! Hope you're enjoying life in retirement. Although we went different ways during ua presidency, I cherish our friendship. With nostalgia, I remember how I hosted u and @WilliamsRuto(then Minister for Agriculture) in my home in Malinya after I retained my seat as MP for Ikolomani, in the hotly contested by election of 2011. U left two indelible marks 1. As Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, u released funds for the construction of Sigalagala Butere Road. It's now complete. 2. U supported me financially in that by election campaigns. Welcome to Malinya for a drink brother

Kung’u Njenga: Happiest birthday to the best president Kenya has ever had

Elsewhere, residents of Gatundu broke into song and dance as they celebrated Uhuru, cutting cake to mark the 62nd birthday of their son.