Moment of laughter as Uhuru salutes Raila Odinga

Kenyans were treated to a rare spectacle on Jamhuri Day when President Uhuru Kenyatta decided to shake up things up.

We are used to seeing the President shake hands with top politicians, dignitaries and even his lovely wife Margaret Kenyatta on previous occasions.

On Wednesday however, Uhuru, donned in full military regalia, had something different up his sleeve.

He inspected the military parade as was expected but upon getting to the dais, changed tact.

Protocol calls for the Head of State to greet the country’s leaders before he takes his seat.

President Kenyatta approaches several heads of the Kenyan military and salutes each one before shaking their hand.

When he gets to First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, he stops, smiles and salutes; Margaret covers her mouth with her hand, seemingly shocked by the gesture.

The two are known for their public displays of affection: two years ago, Uhuru did what no other Kenyan Head of State had done: he hugged his wife and was referred to as a ‘romantic President’.

On Wednesday, Margaret’s famous smile reemerges as she greets her husband and reacts to his ‘charm’.

President Uhuru Kenyatta salutes dignitaries at the 55th #JamhuriDay celebrations among them DP Ruto and NASA principals. #KenyaAt55 pic.twitter.com/MJxoLEXV7X

— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) December 12, 2018

President @UKenyatta and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi as they prepared to leave for the 55th Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo Stadium. The Red Tunic donned by President @UKenyatta was also worn by former Presidents Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel Moi. pic.twitter.com/rQJWRsbGdi

— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) December 12, 2018

Standing next to her is Deputy President William Ruto, donned in a black suit and a yellow sash.

He also shares a brief moment of laughter with his boss after the salute. The President then moves to greet Mrs. Rachel Ruto.

Other leaders on the lineup are Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka, Chief Justice David Maraga and Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.

Sonko salutes the President and is greeted with a handshake.

When President Kenyatta gets to NASA leader Raila Odinga, he creates another spectacle.

Mr. Odinga greets him with a handshake but the President insists on a salute for him similar to that of First Lady Margaret and DP Ruto.

The President also salutes NASA principal Kalonzo Musyoka before greeting Musalia Mudavadi and Leader of Majority in Parliament Adan Duale.