Glitz and glam at Bomas of Kenya as nation awaits the fifth

 Traditional singers join leaders and guests in song and dance at Bomas of Kenya on August 15, 2022. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

For days, Kenyans have been waiting anxiously for IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati to announce the fifth President of the Republic of Kenya.

After long days and cold nights, the big day is finally here and all roads lead to the Bomas of Kenya.

A few minutes to 3pm and the area is a beehive of activity.Outside are fleets of cars arriving, carrying all types of personalities, from government officials to politicians and even ordinary Kenyans, ready to grace the day.

The inside is beautifully decorated, and the wooden ceiling is filled with sparkly light fixtures, bright enough to leave the chartreuse-themed round auditorium incredibly well-lit. All chairs had a yellowish-green color, while the rest, including the tables, windows, and ceiling parts, had vibrant green and white colors.

The colors seem to represent the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). However, some would say they characterize the colors of the main political parties, thanks to the men in blue, evenly circled at the centre stage and around the auditorium, ready to tackle anyone who chooses to disrupt the happenings of the day. But be that as it may, whether intentional or not, the decoration is top-notch, thanks to the individuals who spent hours cleaning and arranging, later captured sleeping on the floor.

 A choir entertains guests at Bomas of Kenya. [Elvis Ogina,Standard]

Still, it's filled with tension and serious-looking people moving around - not because it's a Monday, but due to the information that awaits - the big decision. Will it be Azimio's Raila Odinga or Kenya Kwanza's William Ruto?

However, to ease the tension, are Kenyan entertainers who take to the stage to showcase their talents while passing along messages of peace, love, and unity - echoing our national anthem.

Rufftone led with his song Mungu baba, in which he featured the General Service Unit (GSU) in the official music video. The lyrics are befitting, highlighting peace and spreading a message of love and unity.

"Mungu Baba twaomba, uilinde nchi yetu, tuishi kwa umoja, Chuki si tumalize, tusameheane tupendane, Ni wewe Mungu pekee. Father God we pray, that you protect our country, that we may live in unity, help us stop hatred to forgive and love one another, You are the only God," Rufftone led the chorus.

The artiste then asks the audience to stand and tells them to hold hands, saying, "haijalishi wewe ni kabila gani." And in oneness, everyone stands and chants "Maombi, Umoja, Amani, Upendo" as they swing their hands while fingers locked.

 Different groups entertain guests at Bomas of Kenya. [Elvis Ogina,Standard]

The peace agenda takes over as the central theme with choirs, all neatly dressed in their uniformly colored attires, singing their well-choreographed patriotic hymns while dancing to the tunes. Other performers, all echoing the same message, took to the stage and delivered their well-mastered crafts.

The mood seems to have changed, with a few people in the crowd seen dancing and smiling while talking to each other. Among the audience are political officials, including Azimio la Umoja and Kenya Kwanza Alliance leaders, who were also seen dancing and singing along to the patriotic songs.

In a few minutes the country will know who the fifth President will be but one message has dominated the day's proceedings; peace, love and unity.