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Kibaki’s day out at Maasai Mara
President Kibaki, in the company of his immediate family, views a herd of wildebeest when he toured the Maasai Mara game reserve on Sunday. Photo/PPS
President Kibaki was among tourists who turned up to witness the magical annual wildebeest migration that has been declared one of the seven wonders of the world.
Every year, Maasai Mara National Reserve is invaded by herds of wildebeest, migrating across the plains in their thousands.
A casually dressed, relaxed and jovial President Kibaki declared that the country had healed from the post-election violence. “It (violence) was only for a moment. We are now back to normal life,” the President told a journalist from a local TV station in a rare interview.
The President, who was described as Tourist Number One by Tourism minister Najib Balala, said he was at the Maasai Mara to witness the migration, welcome and tell the world it was time to visit.
Chatted freely
“I welcome everybody here to see for themselves. It is not enough to be told... Everybody who comes here will like it... We are very happy with this... It is wonderful to be here,” he said.
President Kibaki joined other tourists in a game drive to see the wildlife and said that the Government was committed to protecting animals and conserving the environment.
The President, who was accompanied by his grandchildren and other family members, chatted freely with other domestic and foreign tourists.
Also present were Cabinet ministers George Saitoti (Internal Security), Noah Wekesa (Forestry and Wildlife), Mr Balala, Kenya Tourist Board managing director Ongong’a Achieng’ and Kenya Wildlife Service director Julius Kipng’etich.
The President also had refreshments and signed a visitor’s book at the Mara Serena Safari Lodge.
However, his usually heavy security detail maintained an unusually big distance as the President interacted freely with tourists, journalists and other dignitaries.
It is the first time that Kenya’s President joined other tourists to witness the migration.
Mr Balala called on the Government to allocate more resources to market and boost tourism in the country.
He said that the President’s attendance on Sunday showed that there was peace in the country and urged tourists to come in large numbers.
Prof Saitoti assured tourists of adequate security.
The reserve is in Kenya’s south west and merges with the Serengeti of Tanzania on the border of the two countries.
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This is abit worrisome, Did I hear Tourist No. 1..? next mkulima.. when the olympians(good job by the way)come back Kimbiaji no. one etc. Well Guess its good to see the 1st family( thats real!) lead the way.
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I think that "tourist number one" stuff is way too fawny --> pretty outdated
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He can do it at will,,how about empowering the commonman and encouraging him to visit these parks he only read from newspapers and hear from BBC and CNN?
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