In red, Uhuru steals the Jamhuri Day show

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta and President Uhuru Kenyatta. [Photo, Courtesy]

It was a lively Jamhuri Day with a dose of humour amid the pomp and circumstance.

The President shared a light moment with dignitaries when we he went up the dais. He saluted his mother Mama Ngina as well as his wife Margaret, who chuckled at his appearance.

According to army regulations, only those in uniform are required to salute.

Seemingly going by the trend set, Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko playfully saluted the President which president also saluted Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and Musalia Mudavadi.

Some will scream "breach of protocol" but who cares? A nation was celebrating.

President Uhuru Kenyatta with CJ David Maraga, Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka at Nyayo Stadium on December 12, 2018. [Photo, Courtesy]

They say a good day is seen at the crack of dawn. Nairobi woke up to a sunny morning as Kenyans prepared to celebrate the 55th Jamhuri Day.

Men, women, children and students waved miniature flags in anticipation of the President's arrival at the 30,000-capacity Nyayo National Stadium, this year's venue for Jamhuri Day celebrations in Nairobi.

Students from different schools were artistically seated in black, white, red and green formations remarkably signifying the national flag.

Many dignitaries wore red which was among the dominant colour of the day.

Among those who dressed red were State House spokesperson Kanze Dena, Deputy President's wife Rachel Ruto and Mama Ngina Kenyatta and women group from central Kenya whose song the President seemed to enjoy.

And, resplendent in red Commander-in-Chief's ceremonial military uniform, President Uhuru Kenyatta definitely stole the show.

Masters of Ceremonies Warrant Officer II Gibson Mwandawiro, Peter Wanjohi and Corporal Hamisi Jenje kept the nation informed.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and KDF General Samson Mwathethe. [Photo, Courtesy]

The skies seemed to hold, going by the downpour and floods reported across the country the past few days. If the folds on the crowd's foreheads and the number of unfolded umbrellas were anything to go by, the sun was unforgiving.

The MCs calmed the crowd explaining drone flying around was only taking pictures but not a weapon.

 Mwandawiro directed that only one drone was authorised, and journalists had to seek clearance if they wished to use theirs for aerial photography.

For many Kenyans, even those following the day's events from home, the most entertaining session was the military parade and the fly-past by Kenya Air Force jets.

President Uhuru Kenyatta's motorcade snaked its way through Uhuru Highway into Nyayo Stadium a little after 10.30am.

Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet at Nyayo Stadium on December 12, 2018. [Photo, Courtesy]

In the past the President appeared during national days in formal suits which is why the crowd 'Igwe'. Igwe is a title of respect and honor for the king in some parts of Igboland, Nigeria.

Mwandawiro did not let him down, urging the crowd to wave, clap and dance to Kenyan classics 'Kenya, Kenya Taifa Letu' and 'Kenya Nchi Yangu'.

President Uhuru his ADC Lt.Col Timothy Stelu Lekolol  the Chief of General Staff Samson Mwathethe did a lap at the Nyayo National Stadium race track atop the armoured Toyota Land Cruiser.