This archive report was first published on 15 August 2019.
On August 5, 2019, President Uhuru Kenyatta embarked on a historic state visit to Jamaica, where he attended the country's 57th Independence Day celebrations in Kingston as a special guest. During his visit, he met the widow of reggae legend Bob Marley, Rita Marley.
While in Jamaica, Kenyatta and the Jamaican Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, pledged to deepen bilateral and people-to-people ties between the two countries. However, Kenyatta's claims of having a personal connection to Jamaica raised eyebrows, with some questioning the authenticity of his statement.
"The Prime Minister was telling me that Jamaican Diaspora is everywhere and almost every country on this earth so he was wondering if there is a Jamaican diaspora in Kenya and I told him yes I can confirm given the fact that my wife's brother's mother comes from Jamaica and she lives in Kenya and she has lived there all her life," Kenyatta claimed.
However, Kenyans were left wondering who Kenyatta was referring to, with some accusing him of trying to fabricate links to Jamaicans. The situation took a humorous turn when Kenyatta returned to Kenya and attempted to showcase a Jamaican accent, leaving Twitter users in stitches.
Twitter Reactions:
- Dennis Muturi (@DennisM666): Haha I want what he's having
- Justus Muteti Mwandi (@husmute): Big tings a gwaan. I and I declare Juja a holy city. Respec! Jah bless.
- Mkenya tu (@okoba_wandera): After this Mcsk Thought that ksh. 2500 is enough for royalties hehe Awuoro
It's worth noting that Kenyatta's visit to Jamaica was not without controversy, as he was also accused of showcasing his dab moves with the FBI Dance Crew during a campaign event to encourage youths to register as voters.
