Low turnout at Kasarani as Kenya marks 54th Jamhuri Day

The 54th Jamhuri Day celebrations at Kasarani Sports Centre was marked by empty seats as the event recorded low turnout.

The event, presided by President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto failed to kick off at the scheduled 10 am as organizers waited for more people to attend. In attendance were Chief Justice David Maraga and other dignitaries.

Empty seats could be seen even as the President arrived at the venue

Unlike other celebrations where the stadium filled to the brim, Jamhuri Day in 2017 lacked the glamour of Kenyans celebrating. The recent inauguration of President Uhuru on November 28 in the same venue tells the difference in attendance of both functions

Deputy President William Ruto arrived at an almost vacant stadium

The celebrations happen the same day as the recently postponed swearing-in of Raila. Raila had vowed to assume office as the Peoples’ President but NASA informed supporters of the postponement on Sunday, December 10.The state had invited National Super Alliance (NASA) leader Raila Odinga and other NASA principals and opposition leaders to the Jamhuri Day celebrations.

“We ask NASA leaders to attend the Jamhuri Day celebration because this country is for us all,” Government spokesman Eric Kiraithe said.