The party held at a Nairobi hotel was almost shut down over fears of breaching protocols instituted by the government to combat the spread of Covid-19.
Raila, speaking on Sunday at the party, said the Machakos County Governor made a call to him after being informed that his birthday celebration had been “hit with a challenge”.
The former Prime Minister stated that upon receiving the governor’s call on Saturday night, he made phone calls to relevant authorities to ensure the event went on as planned.
“Alfred called me and told me that he had turned 51 and was celebrating his birthday for the first time and that he had invited so many friends from all over the world. But there was a little hitch, threatening to ruin the merriment. I spent the better part of last night (Saturday), trying to reach everybody to ensure that this function takes place today (Sunday),†Raila said.
Among the many people who attended the party was Tanzania’s Bongo Music sensation, Rayvanny who was coincidentally also celebrating his birthday. He had turned 28.
Besides the ODM party leader, other notable guests included Mutua’s ex-wife Lillian Ng’ang’a, who shared the table with him throughout the ceremony.
The two had arrived together and received a standing ovation before they settled down and shared a meal and drinks. They also danced, much to the excitement of those in attendance.
Raila revealed that he had met Governor Mutua earlier that day at his residence, where they held a small celebration before later attending the main patrty.
“I had an occasion to celebrate with Alfred earlier today his birthday at my residence, but I told him that I would be coming here despite a very tight schedule. Today (Sunday), as you know, is the final day of the Under 20 World Athletic Championships, I am the special guest and I am supposed to be giving a presentation to winners. But I said I must come even if it’s just for a few minutes,†he said.
According to Raila, birthdays above the age of 50 are special and deserve to be celebrated.
“I told Alfred that birthdays are special occasions, but specifically a birthday above 50 because that is when life starts. I told him that there is only one difference between the old and the young; the young do not know what it means to be old, but the old know what it means to be young. Between them is something called experience, that is the difference. You’re always as old as you want to be, like I feel I’m now 18, doing life afresh,†said Raila.
Source: KENYAGIST.COM
