Song, dance and cake as Uhuru Kenyatta supporters celebrate his 62nd birthday in Gatundu

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta is celebrating his 62nd birthday, his second since leaving the State House last year.

In his home turf of Gatundu, it was all merry, kind words, and cake on Thursday as Gatundu South market traders gave the former president his flowers, which they say are a token for building them a modern market that has alleviated their years of suffering. 

Hundreds of traders who benefited from the market marched to the market in song and dance, with posters of the former president emblazoned on beams and walls with the message:

"God bless you for all your efforts in leading our great county towards better days, may he continue blessing you with good health and prosperity to this and many more years to come."

The celebrations were not without political overtones, with the women breaking into song about the difficult economic times since Kenya's fourth president left office. 

"Kuma wathii nikwanyitanire (since you left, life has become extremely difficult)," the traders sang. 

Despite the birthday fanfare, the birthday boy was nowhere to be found, but that did not stop the ecstatic women from devouring the cake and juice while wishing the former Head of State well.

Similar celebrations were witnessed not only in Gatundu, but also in Thika Road, Githunguri, Githurai, Kenol, and Molo.

Following the celebrations in Gatundu, market traders took advantage of the opportunity to apologise to the former president, claiming they were duped during the last elections.

"Akiwa kwa uongozi, alipatia watoto wetu kazi, na pia tulikuwa tunaweza kuwasomesha, sahii maisha imekuwa ngumu sana, na tuko na shida," Nyambura Kimani, a trader at the market said. 

"Tulimkosea sababu tulienda na wave, lakini tunaomba msamaha, tunaomba akuje huku nyumbani tumsherehekee kama vile tumefanya leo."