Uhuru Kenyatta has taken the term the travelling president to a whole other level as the politician has been out and about the last two weeks.
Travelling that has seen him open the SGR in Suswa to hosting Mashujaa Day celebrations in Mombasa, to heading to the Japanese empires coronation to heading to Russia for the inaugural Russia-Africa Summit. He did all that in less than 2 weeks! I even got fatigued writing that!
But this isn’t what the article is about. On his travels, the president must have got some interesting stories to tell and Russia will be no different as their manner of welcoming a guest of honour is noteworthy.
On arrival, Uhuru was received at Sochi International Airport by senior Russian Government officials and the Kenyan Chargé D’Affaires, in Moscow, Winnie Mwanjala.
This is where it got interesting as Mr. Kenyatta and his wife were treated to one of the oldest Russian traditions – the Bread and Salt welcome Ceremony.
The tradition originated as a folk custom in western Russia. Bread in Russia symbolizes abundance and wealth. Funny thing, just like in the Bible!
Uhuru Kenyatta’s watch costs twice as much as a 2019 Range Rover!
The ceremony is held when welcoming important, respected or admired guests. Young women donning traditional costumes present the loaf of bread placed on a rushnik (embroidered towel). The “Bread and Salt” is a form of specially baked round bread with a salt shaker placed on top of the bread
‘A salt holder or a salt cellar is placed on top of the bread loaf or secured in a hole on the top of the loaf. If you are presented with a “Bread and Salt”, you should help yourself for sure: you need to break off a piece of bread, dip it in salt and eat it with a smile. You should not refuse, or the host would get greatly offended.’
