Governors want CORD to lead Madaraka Day celebrations at Uhuru Park, Nairobi

Council of Governors chairman Peter Munya. The CoG has asked the Government to allow Opposition leaders to celebrate Madaraka Day at Uhuru Park. (PHOTO: COURTESY)

The Council of Governors (CoG) has asked the Government to allow Opposition leaders to celebrate Madaraka Day at Uhuru Park.

CoG Chairman Peter Munya said it is upon any Kenyan to celebrate the day as they wish.

"The venue of celebration is not a big deal. Governors usually host more than 48 Madaraka Day celebrations throughout the country and as a national holiday, each Kenyan has a right to spend the day as they please," Mr Munya said.

CORD has said that it will hold parallel Madaraka Day celebrations on Wednesday at Uhuru Park, Nairobi.

President Uhuru Kenyatta will lead the State celebrations at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.

Munya was speaking in Nyeri County accompanied by governors Mwangi wa Iria (Murang'a) and John Mruttu (Taita Taveta).

Other governors present included Joshua Irungu (Laikipia), Mwangi Waithaka (Nyandarua) and Nderitu Gachagua (Nyeri).

Foreign embassies

Munya said the celebrations are held not only within the county headquarters but also in Kenyan foreign embassies around the world.

"The governors hold the celebrations at the county level and sometimes even at the sub-county level," Munya said.

The CoG chairman said there should be no limitation for anyone “as long as we are expressing our patriotism and unity in honour of our country".

He reiterated that the senators were standing in the way of devolution.

"The senators want to be governors yet they have been elected to represent Kenyans as senators. Their political interests are getting in the way of devolution and this must be addressed," Munya warned.

The Governors had visited Mr Gachagua at his home in Hiriga Village, Mathira Constituency.

"Governor Gachagua is one of us and we are here in solidarity to encourage him and wish him a speedy recovery. He is a resilient leader and has been strong throughout the recent health challenges," Munya said.