Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Rachel Omamo, was overwhelmed by emotions during President Uhuru Kenyatta’s military farewell on Friday, September 9.
Omamo, who served in various capacities under Uhuru’s administration, could not hide her emotions as she was captured shedding tears as the military and other attendees bade Uhuru goodbye.
The CS wiped her tears with a handkerchief, composed herself and walked alongside Uhuru as he left Lang’ata Barracks in Nairobi.
In his farewell speech, Uhuru appreciated his loyalists and attributed his legacy to their immense support.
Screengrab of Foreign Affairs CS Rachel Omamo wiping her tears on Friday, September 9, 2022.
Sauti TV
“I most sincerely thank all Kenyans for their extraordinary support to me, which made and continues to make significant contributions towards the prosperity of our nation.
“I thank everyone who has walked the talk with me and especially you the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF),” President Kenyatta appreciated.
Omamo, a trained lawyer, served as Defence CS between 2013 and 2020 and was a key figure in implementing Uhuru’s military policies in Kenya and beyond the borders.
Uhuru tasked her with supervising the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), which comprises the Kenya Army, Kenya Air Force and the Kenya Navy.
She also supported Uhuru in the deployment of KDF in peacekeeping missions around the world, formulated and implemented bilateral agreements.
Omamo as well represented Kenya in regional bodies, including serving as the chairperson of the Council of Defence Ministers of the Eastern Africa Standby Force between 2013 and 2014.
Before joining Uhuru’s cabinet, she had served as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO. Omamo also served in the Task Force on establishing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
She also had a short stint in the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) leadership.
Her political fate remains unclear as President-elect William Ruto takes over power on Tuesday, September 13,
Also present at Uhuru’s farewell ceremony was Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lt. Gen. Francis Omondi Ogolla, Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua, and CSs Eugene Wamalwa (Defence) and Monica Juma (Energy).
Foreign Affairs CS Raychelle Omamo addressing the annual presidential briefing to the diplomatic corps at State House on March 4, 2021.
PSCU
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