Day of firsts as county leaders keep off national celebration

Unlike previous national day celebrations, only President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto addressed Kenyans who turned up at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi to celebrate the sixth anniversary of Mashujaa Day.

The Deputy President arrived at the venue at about 11.05a.m. accompanied by his wife Rachel. The Head of State followed shortly after, before inspecting a guard of honour mounted by the Kenya Defence Forces.

Speaker of the national assembly Justin Muturi(left) deputy Chief Justice Kalpana Rawal (center) and Leader of Majority Aden Duale during the celebrations of Mashujaa day at Nyayo National Stadium. (PHOTO: BEVERLYNE MUSILI/ STANDARD)

Mr Ruto, who spoke for less than four minutes, appealed to Kenyans to remember the sacrifices made by freedom fighters and forefathers.

"We are gathered here to celebrate and remember and honour our freedom fighters and all other Kenyans that have made this country what it is today. It is through their commitment and sacrifice that they brought independence.

"We should look into the future with greater optimism because of the commitment and sacrifices made by our countries heroes and heroines," said the deputy president.

Ruto said Kenyans should celebrate the diversity in the country and harness the opportunity brought about by it, instead of antagonising one another based on social, cultural and political differences. "We must all, irrespective of our political affiliations, regions we come from, the faith we profess and the community we come from, work together to build our nation and consolidate our peace and security," said Ruto, before inviting the President, whose speech lasted for less than 40 minutes.

Conspicuously absent

For the first time, top Nairobi County leaders gave the national event a wide berth, with Governor Evans Kidero and Senator Mike Sonko being conspicuously absent. Deputy Governor Jonathan Mueke was present.

Top Jubilee and CORD leaders were absent. National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi and House Majority Leader Aden Duale were the only notable political leaders present. Deputy Chief Justice Kalpana Rawal sat with the two leaders in the front row. A good number of Cabinet secretaries and their principal secretaries attended the fete.

Nairobi residents had mixed reactions to speeches leaders delivered. When The Standard interviewed Kenyans, a majority said they wished the Government addressed graft.