Uhuru Kenyatta Donates KSh 1.5 Million for Pastoral Centre in Kilifi in a Rare Public Appearance
In a significant move that has drawn public attention, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and his wife, former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta.
Made a rare public appearance in Kilifi County, where they made a generous donation of KSh 1.5 million towards the construction of a pastoral centre.
The donation, which comes after a period of relative silence from the former Head of State, is aimed at accelerating the completion of the crucial community facility. The former First Family toured the ongoing construction of the Stella Maris Pastoral Centre in Watamu , Malindi Sub-County. They were warmly received by the Bishop of the Malindi Diocese, Reverend Willybard Lagho. The visit was hailed as a gesture of goodwill and a continuation of the former president's commitment to community development projects. Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and Bishop Lagho during a project tour of the Stella Maris pastoral center in Watamu A Focus on Community and Spiritual Growth The Stella Maris Pastoral Centre is envisioned as a vital spiritual, social, and economic hub for the Catholic faithful and the wider community in Kilifi. Upon completion, the facility is expected to host a variety of activities, including spiritual retreats, training programs, and community gatherings. Thereby serving as a focal point for growth and development in the region. According to Catholic-owned Radio Tumaini, Bishop Lagho expressed immense gratitude for the donation, which he said would go a long way in ensuring the centre’s timely completion. The Bishop lauded the retired President’s commitment to supporting projects that promote financial self-reliance within the church and the community. In his remarks, Uhuru Kenyatta praised the diocese's dedication to the project and pledged to continue supporting the initiative. His presence, dressed in his now-trademark patterned shirt and a fedora, was a welcome sight for many who have missed his public persona since he left office in 2022. A Context of Renewed Public Presence The visit to Kilifi marks one of the few high-profile public appearances by the former President in recent months. Since his retirement, Uhuru Kenyatta has largely maintained a low profile. Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and Margaret Kenyatta during a project tour of the Stella Maris pastoral center in Watamu Also, focusing on his roles as a peace envoy for the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). This latest appearance in Kilifi comes on the heels of another notable public moment where he was photographed sharing a light moment with his successor, President William Ruto, during a regional summit on the security situation in Eastern DRC. Additionally, these recent outings have been interpreted by some as a subtle return to the public eye, signaling a new chapter in his post-presidency.
The donation to the church in Kilifi is a reminder of the former President's long-standing support for religious and community initiatives across the country.
It reinforces the importance of such projects in fostering social cohesion and providing a spiritual and developmental anchor for local communities.