- Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja arrived in style for this year's Jamhuri Day celebrations at the historic Uhuru Gardens
- The county chief was greeted to thunderous applause by the curious crowd as he alighted from the classic car accompanied by the county's first lady
- Sakaja's classy entrance sparked debate on social media platforms as topics revolved around the model of the car and their feeling about him using it
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Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi - Governor Johnson Sakaja captivated Kenyans during his arrival for the 60th Jamhuri Day celebrations.
Sakaja ditched the traditional government Sports Utility Vehicles for the vintage official Nairobi Governor's car.
Built in 1947, the vehicle is structured as a limousine with a separate section for the driver and is separated by a glass partition.
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It has beautiful black leather seats with two additional fold-down jump seats and air conditioning.
The more than 50-year-old navy blue Vanden Plas Princess was bought as the official car of the Nairobi mayor under the defunct Nairobi City Council for Charles Rubia.
It was grounded in 1983 after the council was dissolved and replaced with a commission until 2013 when former Nairobi governor Evans Kidero rode in to his swearing-in ceremony with a customised number plate; NCC 1.
How Kenyans reacted to Sakaja's entrance
The first-term governor was treated to thunderous applause amid excitement at Uhuru Gardens ahead of this year's celebrations.
Social media users went into a frenzy following his arrival as most debated on the make of the ceremonial car rarely seen in official events.
However, not all appreciated the county chief's show of opulence as others criticised it, claiming it evoked memories of colonialism.
TUKO.co.ke highlighted some of their sentiments below;
@David_OngoN:
"This is the official car for the mayor of Nairobi - Now Governor- glad to see it refurbished and working."
@mwanesmwangi"
"That's the official Governor's automobile, a Rolls Royce Phantom I. The Kenyattas, and the Mugabes were the other folks who owned such an automobile when the model was released in east, central and southern Africa. A little bit of history for you to know."
@Nb21025683:
"A fully depreciated asset, but brand is the overriding motive. Nostalgic to King's country as soundly appearing a loyal subject."
@MaskiniMilionea
"Still colonised in mind."
William Ruto rides in KSh 27m Mercedes Benz Maybach
During the celebration, President William Ruto made a grand entrance at the celebrations at Uhuru Gardens, riding in a luxurious Mercedes Benz Maybach worth KSh 27 million.
The Mercedes Benz Maybach is one of the most expensive and exclusive cars in the world, featuring a spacious interior, a panoramic sunroof, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a powerful V8 engine.
The car is also equipped with the latest MBUX multimedia system, which allows the driver and passengers to control various functions with voice commands, gestures, or touchscreens123.
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