Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio visited Jomo Kenyatta's mausoleum in Nairobi on May 31, 2022, but National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi and Senate President Ken Lusaka were notably absent from the ceremony. The two officials typically accompany visiting leaders during such tributes to Kenya's first president, who died in 1978 and is buried near Parliament buildings.
Historically, foreign dignitaries visiting Kenyatta's grave have been accompanied by both parliamentary leaders. However, Muturi and Lusaka's absence contrasted with their attendance at previous events, including Tanzanian leaders' visits. No official mandate requires their participation, but their non-attendance coincided with their alignment with Deputy President William Ruto ahead of the 2022 general elections.
Bio's two-day visit included a meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House, where they signed agreements on political cooperation, trade, and investment. The National Assembly Speaker and Senate President were also absent from this engagement, further highlighting their distancing from the sitting administration.
