Where are the crowds? Kenyans ask amidst dismal attendance of Labour Day celebrations

Low turnout by workers during Labour Day celebration on May 1, 2019 at Uhuru Park Nairobi.[Edward Kiplimo/Standard]

Even as the Labour Day celebrations took off at Uhuru Park minutes to 10am yesterday, it was evident Kenyans were disenchanted.

Unlike previous Labour Day events and other national celebrations, where venues overflow with crowds, yesterday's ceremony opened to just a few attendants scattered across the front section of the Uhuru Park grounds.

As the event progressed, it became clear majority of Kenyans were not interested in the celebrations. Attendees increased by a negligible number as Uhuru Park largely remained empty.

The dismal attendance was not lost on Kenyans, who were following the proceedings from their homes.

Many Kenyans who use the social media platforms, including Twitter, opined that the stunningly low numbers were a message by Kenyans to their leaders.

"It seems Kenyans have woken up, looking at the public attendance of Atwoli gig at Uhuru Park! Senses have kicked in!" noted one user.

One Jimmy Amimo translated the low numbers to mean Kenyans were unhappy with the leadership.

But despite the low turnout, the celebrations went on undaunted, beginning with the signature Labour Day parade, with workers from a wide range of sectors - manufacturing to education, health, transport and security - colourfully matching through the grounds in their merchandise, showcasing some of their products and services to Kenyans.

The showcase, which lasted nearly an hour, also comprised casual labourers such as jua kali artisans and hawkers, as well as trade unions, including Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu).

Aside from the few scattered crowds, Kenyans' attention was also drawn to the absence of the country's top leaders.

The monotony of the unenthusiastic crowd was broken around midday when a rowdy group of young men and women on motorbikes disrupted the entertainment session with chanting, yelling and loud beeping.

The entertainers were forced to take a break and stare as police officers tried to calm the group, who called themselves Sonko Defence Forces.

After much convincing, police officers finally calmed down the restless group. Some members of the group had by that time mingled with the crowds, but continued shouting and jeering, expressing support for President Uhuru Kenyatta's fight against corruption.

Amidst the dramatic events, some Kenyans in attendance noted that Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko looked annoyed, while many openly stated that the fiasco appeared stage-managed.

Some Kenyans were unhappy that leaders, including Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli, focused on politics rather than labour issues.

Peter Ambisi, who was at the function, told The Standard the only decent aspect of the event was the Lingala performances that seemed to excite a large section of the crowd.

Kenyans were treated to a great mix of entertainment from legendary Congolese musicians Nyboma, Faya Tess and TP OK Jazz veteran Watu Mayi.

Those in attendance took to their feet as Faya took to the stage with her popular song Nadina.

Faya started by greeting those on the "high table", who included Atwoli, Wiper Party leader Klaonzo Musyoka, ANC's Musalia Mudavadi, Sonko and Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris.

The audience applauded as Faya's mellow voice pierced through the warm sunny morning, as she sang the song originally done by Mbilia Bel.

Dressed in kitenge and a veil, Faya brought back the memories of the 1980s when Lingala ruled East African airwaves.

She was joined on the stage by four female dancers and by the time she was exiting after singing her popular hit, Mongali, the crowd was still asking for more.

“We want more, just one more,” the crowds shouted as TP OK Jazz singers Wuta Mayi and Nyboma took to the stage.