Uhuru Flies Out To Nigeria, Meets President

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta flew out to Nigeria for a two-day review of the performance of its Cabinet.

The former head of state was expected to share his experience with other dignitaries in the country as well as the behind-the-scenes leading up to his handing over power to President William Ruto.

Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari had invited Uhuru to the West African country to assist in the successful transition of its government.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta together with Nigerian government officials on October 17, 2022. /TWITTER.PAULINE NJOROGE

Nigerians will take to the polls on February 25, 2023, meaning Buhari is serving his last term in office. Among those poised to succeed him include Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

"I am particularly delighted to welcome His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta, the immediate former President of the Republic of Kenya and members of his delegation, and especially thank him for honouring our invitation to be the keynote speaker at this retreat. 

"We look forward to hearing about your experience especially around the last months prior to the handover to your successor," he stated.

Uhuru was also invited to speak on leaving a legacy with Buhari's government, taking note of the achievements ahead of the February 2023 general elections.

The two-day conference began on Monday, October 18. However, it was not established how long Uhuru would be in the country, nor if he would fly back immediately after the conference.

The visit to Nigeria was Uhuru's first outside Kenya since handing over power after being the country's fourth president for 10 years.

His attempts at keeping a low profile since handing over to President Ruto on Tuesday, September 13 have been fruitful, but he has been seen in some parts of the country and other places engaging with Kenyans as well as other diplomats.

Over the weekend, he was in Narok where he donated a school bus to Partakilat Primary School, having promised to do so while still in office. Before that, he was spotted in a hotel in Narok, seemingly going about his thoughts while keeping a low profile from the hawk eyes of the press.

Earlier this month, he met United Kingdom (UK) Member of Parliament for Reading West Alok Sharma, who travelled to Kenya and held meetings with top leaders including President Ruto.

He postponed travelling to South Africa to attend peace talks on the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia that he was set to preside over on Saturday, October 8, stating that the talks collided with his schedule where he had other prior commitments.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta donates a bus to Partakilat Primary School, Narok on October 16, 2022. /TWITTER