Government should include Opposition leaders amongst key speakers at the Madaraka Day celebrations

Madaraka Day, celebrated on June 1, commemorates the day that Kenya attained internal self-rule in 1963. Usually, the President is the key speaker.

Indeed, this day is for all of us just as paying tax is. It is not reserved for only Government supporters. Nor can it be claimed by only the Opposition.

President Uhuru Kenyatta's speeches, especially on national holidays, should be inclusive and not demeaning to critics. So far, this is not the case.

While it is Uhuru's right to respond to political rivals and critics, he should desist from doing this at a national function, especially on a public holiday.

If CORD's Uhuru Park rally is a sign of a divided nation as some observers say, then the Government should counter this by including Opposition leaders among the speakers at the Madaraka Day celebrations.

The State should not just invite the Opposition to the celebrations, but also give them a chance to address the crowd. Such a move is the wisest step towards a much-needed national dialogue. A national holiday belongs to all of us.

Government's warning to arrest those who will attend the Uhuru Park rally reveals not only what we suspect, but also where we are heading; a polarised country.