Kenyans from all walks of life, both in the country and abroad, today marked the 58th Jamhuri Day celebrations with pomp and colour.
President Uhuru Kenyatta led the nation in the celebrations that were held at Uhuru Gardens in Langata sub-county, Nairobi, the first such national celebration to be held at the grounds that saw the trooping of colour by the 19th Battalion Kenya Rifles who paraded their flag at the colourful ceremony attended by several dignitaries.
Jamhuri Day celebrations have been held since December 12, 1963 when the country became independent where supreme power was transferred to the Kenyan people and their elected leaders by the British Colony which allowed the establishment of the nation’s system of governance as enshrined in the Constitution.
This great celebration that remains crucial in the country’s calendar was this year given the theme ‘Pamoja Tusonge Mbele’ in recognition and appreciation of the efforts made by Kenyans in contributing to the nation’s socio, economic and political development.
In December 12, 1964, the Queen of England vacated and Kenya transited to full liberation and returned to Uhuru Gardens to launch the Republic of Kenya.
Since history provides invaluable lessons to be learnt, the museum being constructed at Uhuru Gardens, including the Uhuru Gardens grounds will provide students and Kenyans and future generations with history of the struggle for independence and torture that the gallant liberators experienced at the hands of the colonisers in the concentration camp.
The ground will also have a solemn memorial of every Kenyan who lost their lives from the First World War to victims of the post-election violence of 2007, as well as celebrate the gains Kenyans have made since independence as it will have books of history, pictures, and artifacts by sculptors.
During the occasion, the President awarded and honoured Kenyans who have rendered exemplary service for the nation and commended the Kenya Defence Forces officers for the good work they are doing to protect Kenyans and the country.
In his remarks, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga congratulated the President’s initiative of constructing the Uhuru Gardens and the Museum saying that the work he has done will be remembered many years after he has left.
“This is a place where people will come to know the heroes, historians, geologists, political scientists, engineers and anthropologists,” said Raila, saying that it will help people to remember the past and use it to correct mistakes made in the past.
Those who attended the function were entertained by Kenya Air Force fly past and paratroopers, choirs and traditional dancers.
By Bernadette Khaduli
