The two arrived with their families at different times in the afternoon and went for shopping before they later walked out for late lunch.
They sat and chatted for a while as they both greeted customers at the mall while seeking to know how the country is.
“How are things, it is long time since we met. I will call you or come and see me. Come see me,” Uhuru was heard shouting at one customer as they shook hands and hugged.
Some parents who were there with their children sent them to where Uhuru and Ruto were seated to greet them.
The president was heard asking one of them how old he was, which school he goes to and what position he attained in the last exam.
Ruto too was busy then talking to other customers on the next table before they sat and had tea at one of the joints there.
Officials said their move was aimed at bolstering confidence among Kenyans in the wake of Westgate mall terror attack that claimed more than 70 lives. Few police officers were stationed outside the mall which is popular with the rich and the elite.
The president’s spokesman Manoah Espisu said he (Uhuru) and Ruto had visited Galleria Mall, had coffee in “helping send strong message our malls are safe, Westgate behind us now.”
There has been fear of more terror attacks after that of Westgate with more countries including US and Russia issuing travel advisories to their citizens in the country.
Their visit may boost confidence among many shoppers. Police said the president and DP’s visit there was private. But they cleared some vehicles at the parking bays before their arrivals as part of security measures an indication the visit was planned.
Security machinery have been put on high alert across the country following terror attack by terrorists on September 21 in Nairobi. Police are still pursuing some of the attackers who escaped.
- The Standard
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