This archive report was first published on 4 November 2019.
On Sunday, President Uhuru Kenyatta was expected to attend the final Jubilee rally at the DC grounds in Kibra to endorse McDonald Mariga. However, he gave the rally a wide berth and instead led prayers for the country's disciplined forces at the Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi.
President Kenyatta's absence at the rally sparked speculation, but he chose to focus on the country's security sector. He assured members of the disciplined services that the ongoing reforms, including modernization and transformation of the institutions, would continue.
Speaking at the Holy Family Basilica, President Kenyatta said, "In recognition of the special circumstances that many of you have to operate in, I want to assure you that my Administration will continue to support modernization and transformation initiatives with a view of making your work conditions better and more progressive."
The Head of State commended officers of the National Police Service, Kenya Prisons, National Youth Service, Kenya Forest Service, and Kenya Wildlife Service for their sacrifices in ensuring the country's safety.
President Kenyatta's decision to skip the rally and focus on the country's security sector has been met with mixed reactions.
