A village elder sparked a light moment at State House, Nairobi, after thanking President William Ruto for hosting elders from across the country and then asking for a tour of the official residence of the Head of State.
Speaking during the meeting with village elders, the elder praised Ruto for recognising the role played by community elders and giving them an opportunity to visit State House.
“It is our prayer, Mr President, that God gives you long life,” he said.
The elder said village elders had waited for decades to be recognised at the highest level of government.
“It is now 63 years down the line; no president could remember there are people on the ground, that is the village elders,” he said.
He jokingly asked the President to give the elders more time to explore the expansive State House compound.
“If you could give us three or four hours to tour around State House,” he said, drawing a light moment from the gathering.
The elder, however, said the group was grateful for the invitation and pledged to continue supporting efforts aimed at promoting national development.
“But we are happy for what you have done. Thank you. We are working hard for the success of the country,” he said.
The remarks came as Ruto defended his decision to host village elders from across Kenya at the official residence of the President.
Ruto said inviting ordinary Kenyans to State House did not diminish the institution's status, arguing instead that it recognised the dignity of citizens and affirmed that State House belonged to the people.
“Inviting you to State House is not undervaluing it as critics say, it is basically upholding your dignity as humans and leaders in this nation,” Ruto said.
“I want to welcome all of you at State House, Nairobi. I know some of you are here for the first time. I welcome you here. I am very happy to welcome you.”
The President said State House had hosted a wide range of dignitaries during his tenure, including kings, presidents and leaders from different levels of society.
“At State House, I have received so many guests. I have hosted kings, presidents and leaders of all cadres. Today, I am happy to have village elders,” he said.
Ruto also recalled criticism he faced over opening State House to ordinary Kenyans, saying some critics had accused him of lowering the status of the institution.
“Sometimes back, there were those who told me that I have downgraded the status of State House, that even common people have access,” he said.
According to Ruto, his critics had argued that State House should be reserved for kings, presidents, ministers and diplomats.
The President said he had rejected that view, arguing that allowing ordinary citizens to visit the premises was a way of restoring their sense of ownership of the institution.
