When President Uhuru left the country on Friday, just moments after attending a graduation ceremony at Kabarak University where he was conferred with a honorary degree, he informed the country that he would be in Abu Dhabi for four days to a attend a ‘series of bilateral meetings’ focused on expanding and deepening cooperation in areas of mutual interest between Kenya and the UAE.
“I left the country this evening for Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates for a four day official visit. I will attend a series of bilateral meetings focused on expanding and deepening cooperation in areas of mutual interest between Kenya and the UAE,” he posted on His Facebook page.
Then terror hit the country and focus turned on the ‘whereabouts’ of the President.
Up to now, the president is yet to give an official statement, remorse or condolence to the families of the victims of the heinous terror attack in Mandera County.
Shockingly, revelations now emerge that President Uhuru may have gone to Abu Dhabi to watch the final ceremony of Formula One racing. A Saudi blog first revealed that President Uhuru was among the ‘dignitaries’ who graced the event, alongside Gabon’s Ali Bongo and several Kings, Presidents and Princes from the gulf, the Indian Ocean Islands and scandinavian countries.
Another blog reveals Uhuru indeed met the ruler of Abu Dhabi ‘on the sidelines of the 2014 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix’.
President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has met with Kenya’s President, Uhuru Kenyatta on the sidelines of the 2014 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai attended the meeting. During the meeting, they exchanged talks on the bilateral relations and ways to enhance them in various domains between the UAE and Kenya.
So yes, the President is vindicated. He indeed attended a bilateral meeting with the Saudi rulers.
Bilateral meetings on the sidelines of sports events are a form of sports diplomacy in a world first getting connected by the social-technological advancements which bring peoples and cultures ever so closer.
But who accompanied the president? Tourism cabinet secretary? Sports and culture cabinet secretary? First Lady? First children? Not known.
