Margaret Kenyatta makes first public appearance since change of guard
Former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has made her first public appearance since her husband, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, handed over power on September 13.
Mrs Kenyatta participated in 19th edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi marathon on Sunday 30th October. The races began at the Southern Bypass and shall end at Uhuru Gardens.
Also president was Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, Athletics Kenya President, Lt Gen (Rtd) – Jackson Tuwei and Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces -General Robert Kibochi.
The start and finishing points were at Uhuru Gardens, Langata Road. Runners used the scenic route on the Southern bypass for the physical marathon thus experiencing a great view of the Nairobi National Park.
Elias Chelimo and Sheila Chepkech won the 42 Kilometers individual men and women categories. Over 200 elite athletes, 100 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and 20,000 recreational runners participated in the marathon. The marathon was attended by CS Sports, Arts and Youth Affairs –
Mrs Kenyatta with her signature smile on and was dressed in a black hoodie that had red stripes that matched with her pants, a green t-shirt, some shades and a hat.
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The former President and his wife have elected to keep a low profile since they relinquished power to President William Ruto. The First lady, a mother of three is known for her love for marathons as a way of contributing to the general public.
She had Beyond Zero marathon whose proceeds were used to help maternal healthcare during her tenure in the office of the First Lady.
In 2014 during the London Marathon, Mrs Kenyatta clocked 7 hours and 4 minutes and was warmly received by her hubby after pounding 42 kilometers.
Early this year, Mrs Kenyatta joined thousands of runners for the 17th annual Kigali International marathon in Rwanda.
The First Lady participated in the 10km segment of the road race with the marathon aiming at using sports in the healing and reconciliation process following the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
All roads leading in and out of the Southern bypass were closed on Saturday midnight with all interchanges to the Southern Bypass were shut down; while the Dagoretti interchange was to be partially closed to allow the 42km race.
Uhuru Highway, Waiyaki Way, Langata Road, Dagoretti Road, and Enterprise Road will all be used as detour routes for motorists.
Making the announcement of the roads that will be closed, Nairobi Traffic Deputy Commander Mary Kiarie said normal traffic flow shall resume at 1:30pm after conclusion of all the races.