Nairobi, Kenya: President Uhuru Kenyatta, his deputy William Ruto and their families Sunday embarked on a rare shopping spree and visit to the Galleria Shopping Mall in Karen in a move aimed at bolstering confidence among shoppers.
The two arrived with their families at different times in the
afternoon and went for shopping before they later walked out for late
lunch.
They sat and chatted for a while as they both greeted customers at the mall while seeking to know how the country is.
“How
are things, it is long time since we met. I will call you or come and
see me. Come see me,” Uhuru was heard shouting at one customer as they
shook hands and hugged.
Some parents who were there with their children sent them to where Uhuru and Ruto were seated to greet them.
The
president was heard asking one of them how old he was, which school he
goes to and what position he attained in the last exam.
Ruto too was busy then talking to other customers on the next table before they sat and had tea at one of the joints there.
Officials
said their move was aimed at bolstering confidence among Kenyans in the
wake of Westgate mall terror attack that claimed more than 70 lives.
Few police officers were stationed outside the mall which is popular
with the rich and the elite.
The president’s spokesman Manoah
Espisu said he (Uhuru) and Ruto had visited Galleria Mall, had coffee in
“helping send strong message our malls are safe, Westgate behind us
now.”
There has been fear of more terror attacks after that of
Westgate with more countries including US and Russia issuing travel
advisories to their citizens in the country.
Their visit may boost
confidence among many shoppers. Police said the president and DP’s
visit there was private. But they cleared some vehicles at the parking
bays before their arrivals as part of security measures an indication
the visit was planned.
Security machinery have been put on high alert across the country
following terror attack by terrorists on September 21 in Nairobi. Police
are still pursuing some of the attackers who escaped.
STANDARD DIGITAL
SCROLL DOWN TO LEAVE A COMMENT
No comments:
Post a Comment