Thousands of Kenyans Thursday gathered at Uhuru Gardens Memorial Park to celebrate Mashujaa day, an annual event where the nation honours all those who contributed to the struggle for the country’s independence and heroes and heroines who contribute positively to the country.
President Dr. William Ruto led the country in celebrating the 59th Mashujaa celebrations that were attended by several dignitaries at the revamped Uhuru Gardens Memorial Park in Nairobi where the first Kenyan flag was hoisted during independence.
Uhuru Gardens is also recognized as an independent site in remembrance of a place where thousands of Kenyans were incarcerated and died while fighting for freedom and independence.
In his speech to the nation, the President said he is humbled to celebrate the great day that gives the citizenry a chance to observe it and to reflect on where they have come from as a nation.
“This is in memory of the colonial injustice and the price we paid in anguish and toil in order to get independence and to be free,” said the Head of State. He at the same time called on Kenyans to emulate those who fought for independence by leading lives worthy of their sacrifice.
The President congratulated Kenyans from all walks of life among them health workers, teachers, professionals’ artisans and all workers in all sectors for working hard to give their best contribution towards national development.
He at the same time called upon all elected, nominated and appointed leaders to use the opportunity bestowed on them by Kenyans to shepherd the country into a safe and secure future. “It is now time to lay down the infrastructure of our country,” he said.
President Ruto assured Kenyans that his government will work for all, for the prosperity of the country.
Regarding historic projects, he noted that they were limited, a need that requires the citizenry to play their part in demonstrating patriotism of a new age and to express the timeliness values which unite Kenyans with their heroes and heroines.
“This moment calls for the exercise of all our abilities, talents, gifts, skills, and sense in pursuit of national as well as personal self-actualization,” he said.
President Ruto said the country is endowed with a great capacity that can be utilized to drive the county to its destiny of glory and abundance.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on his part urged all leaders elected during the 2022 generation election to embark on serving Kenyans.
“I also wish to congratulate all the elected leaders in the just concluded elections and remind them that it is time to deliver. We cannot afford to waste a single minute. We know Kenyans are suffering. No more talk. It is work,” the Deputy President said.
By Hamdi Mohamud
