The presidents of the Republic of Kenya have had the honour of calling Nakuru their home by virtue of staying at the Nakuru statehouse.

For the nation’s founding father the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, he likened the Nakuru statehouse to a vacation home. It was no secret that Mzee did not really like spending his time at the Nairobi statehouse.

In fact, it is documented that he only spent the night in Nairobi statehouse on January 1969. Nakuru came in third after his Gatundu home and Mombasa state house.

Read: Mzee Moi, a controversial youth group and the iconic KANU house

Nakuru was his sanctuary of peace where he entertained guests. One of the most notable was Haile Selassie who was one of his closest allies. The two leaders also visited the Lake Nakuru National Park.

Another guest was Uganda's former President the late Idi Amin who travelled all the way to Nakuru to mend broken relationships between the two countries,

Also, Amin, knowing the kind of influence that Mzee had within the African region came to ask for Kenyatta’s support as he wanted to be elected chairman of the Organization of African Union.

For the late President Daniel Arap Moi, his heart was in Nakuru.

Moi was so influential that for the better part of his presidency he managed to shape the politics of this town.

Also Read: Here are the people who gave Nakuru the political influence she enjoys

During the period leading to new year’s eve, many people flocked the town as the climax of it all was the celebrations that were at State house.

For some, they would never get to go to statehouse but just by being in Nakuru during this time it was an experience by itself as the town was full of activity.

For the Gen Z’s, Moi’s new year ceremony can be likened to the hype that comes with hosting the Prinsloo or the World Rally Championships.

Kenya’s third President the late Mwai Kibaki, never really stayed around much as he preferred his Nairobi residence and only got to stay here when it was very necessary.

Related: Places in Nakuru where Mzee Moi left his footprints

During President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure and even before it, Nakuru was his political epicentre and he spent a notable amount of time at Nakuru state lodge.

As for the current seating president Dr William Ruto, he has already spent time at the statehouse several times and may perhaps make it his favourite away from his Sugoi home.

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Remembering a time when Nakuru Statehouse was vibrant

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Bret Sanya