Africa-Press – Kenya. 2020 was an eventful year full of twists and turns in the political scene. Despite the woes brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, there were some memorable moments that made headlines and had Kenyans talking.
Kenyans.co.ke takes a look at these memorable moments that will be etched on Kenyans’ minds.
Uhuru Proposing to Marry Second Wife from Kisumu
President Uhuru Kenyatta, while addressing a crowd in Kisumu on Thursday, October 22, hinted at the possibility of marrying a second wife from Kisumu. The sentiments were met with much applause and roar from the crowd.
“I don’t know whether my wife will allow me to get a lady from this region. It would be nice to know that when I’m around here someone will take care of me and I have somewhere to eat,” he stated.
The Head of State was accompanied by Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Raila Odinga, during the renaming of Kisumu’s Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Grounds.
His remarks came at a time when the political scene had heated up due to the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) campaign.
Both Uhuru and his counterpart Raila took their campaigns to various counties to front the BBI agenda which would then ultimately lead to a potential referendum.
Deputy President William Ruto also made a joke about getting a wife during a tour in Meru County on Saturday, October 17. He stated that a local man had offered to give him a wife and children whereby he would only require to raise them.
The deaf girl offering to marry Uhuru
Just days after the Kisumu wife remarks, a student from the University of Nairobi (UoN) also offered her hand in marriage towards the Head of State.
Speaking during the BBI launch event at the Bomas of Kenya on Monday, October 26, Ashura Michael, with the help of her translator Fora Atieno, made her intentions clear.
“During your recent trip to Kisumu, I heard that you were looking for a second wife. I am sure the First Lady agreed to the plan, and I am ready to take up that role. My father Raila is right there and ready to accept dowry, and if my brother the Deputy President agrees, he will be our best man. Then we can work on consummating our marriage and birthing the BBI,” she stated.
The remarks made by the law student caused an aura of laughter and applause at the Bomas of Kenya.
This prompted President Uhuru Kenyatta, during his speech, to address the proposal hinting at a possible chance of accepting the offer but only after consulting the Bible first.
“Ndugu yangu Raila hapa ameniambia kuna mstari wa Bibilia inayosema ya kwamba inawezekana, (Raila has told me that there’s a Bible verse that says it is possible),” he stated.
Ruto being booed at Bomas
The BBI launch event was full of theatrics as another unforgettable moment came forth when DP Ruto took to the podium to make his speech.
The audience erupted into a round of booing after Ruto expressed his dissatisfaction at Trans Nzoia county youth leader Alex Matere’s remarks over his wheelbarrow movement.
“I want to thank the bright intelligent young man from Kitale because he said that we should not adopt 16th-century technology. I’m sure he was referring to the wheelbarrow and possibly he was referring to me.
“The question I want to ask is how come in the 21st century, a 16th-century tool still has millions of citizens still dependent on it? That is the discussion we need to have,” noted Ruto.
This attracted backlash from the delegates who began heckling Ruto who had vowed to continue with the wheelbarrow initiative that was helpful to the hustler nation.
He concluded his speech by urging the leaders to refrain from contests pitting the poor against the rich. As he proceeded to take his seat, Ruto was met with chants “respect the president,” from a section of the delegates.
Ruto Allies Resurface After Mysterious Disappearance
During the beginning of the year, reports broke out that Benjamin Washiali, MP for Mumias East had been abducted by unknown assailants following an alleged crackdown on DP Ruto allies who had planned a political rally in Mumias.
24 hours later, Washiali resurfaced, disputing the abduction claims. He noted that he had gone into hiding to avoid a police arrest.
He detailed that he hid in a thicket behind his home after he heard police sirens approaching his compound. He watched them survey his home before they drove off. Sensing he might be on police radar, he called his friend who took him to Kisumu before he boarded a plane to Nairobi.
Another similar incident also occurred after reports surfaced on May 8, that Gatundu South Member of Parliament Moses Kuria had gone missing.
These reports came after Kuria and his counterparts, Ndindi Nyoro and Maina Njoka, had visited Kariobangi sewage area where a section of the residents’ houses had been demolished. The politicians faulted the government for the action.
The lawmaker soon resurfaced online where he took to Facebook to announce his comeback. He detailed that he had been trailed by 3 police vehicles after the visit to Kariobangi from which he went into hiding to avoid police arrest.
