Security tightened as 30,000 expected to attend the 55th Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo Stadium

**Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet. Security has been heightened ahead of Jamhuri Day**. [Photo, File]

At least 30,000 Kenyans are expected to fill up the newly refurbished Nyayo Stadium for the 55th celebration of Jamhuri Day.

Nairobi Regional Commander Kang’ethe Thuku briefing said nothing has been left to chance for the security of those who will attend, among them dignitaries the government.

Those willing to attend, some of whom Thuku said will be ferried from different parts of the country for free, should be seated by 6am.

Thuku said police will be stationed on all the eight main gates that will be used to access the stadium. All the 16 walk-through ways have also been fitted with scanners for lug gages as well as security personnel stationed.

To enhance surveillance, the stadium has been sub divided into sub counties(Nairobi) and those attending will be expected to sit in their respective categories.

“We are aware there are people with evil thoughts but I urge the public to come out in large numbers. Everyone will be subjected to thorough security screening,” said Thuku.

He added: “We have security tightened to protect lives and property. Our intelligence will be present to provide all the technical support.”

Thuku said there will also be emergency services on standby. Motorists using Lang’ata road, Thuku said, will be the most inconvenienced, as they will be forced to drive towards Lusaka Road to Mombasa Road about for them to access Uhuru Highway.

“All other roads will be opened, particularly to those heading to Nyayo Stadium,” said Thuku.

The regional commander said vendors, who take such events as opportunities to make a killing in their businesses, should be ready to corporate with the security agents.

This will be the first event held at Nyayo Stadium following its renovation, which is part of the Jubilee government agenda to upgrade standards of stadiums in the country.

President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected at the event as the presider, as well as other government dignitaries who will accompany him.

“There will be a parade and guard of honour that will be inspected with the president, who is the Commander in Chief of the Defense Forces,” said Thuku.

The ceremonies, whose theme is ‘Twende Mbele Pamoja’ will also be graced with entertainment segments from singled out cultural groups and musicians.

This will include Kenya's Defense Forces, specifically the 17th battalion Kenya who will receive Presidential Colour.

Jamhuri Day is celebrated to commemorate Kenya’s actual attaining of independence, where it became a state.