President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday led the nation in commemorating the 41st anniversary since the death of Kenya's first President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta in 1978.
The Head of State laid a wreath at the Jomo Kenyatta Mausoleum next to parliament buildings before attending the memorial mass where he announced that this year’s ceremony will be the last public commemoration of Mzee Kenyatta's death.
He said the decision was reached after consultations with the larger Kenyatta family.
“The family of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta has agreed that this is going to be the last celebration of Mzee in this manner. We shall each celebrate him as we remember him and the manner in which we will be doing our things going forward,” said President Kenyatta.
The President, who was accompanied by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, former First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta and members of the Kenyatta family, was joined by Deputy President Dr William Ruto during the commemoration mass held at the Holy Family Minor Basilica in Nairobi
While addressing hundreds of people at the memorial service, the President called on Kenyans to always act in the good interest of the nation and their compatriots.
He encouraged all Kenyans to remember the founding fathers of the nation by taking actions in line with the dreams and aspirations the leaders held for the country.
“Make a difference in the life of at least one person and let your actions help move our nation forward,” the President said.
On his part, Deputy President William Ruto said Mzee Kenyatta inspired his compatriots in the freedom struggle and the nation to fight oppression and gain independence.
He said Mzee Kenyatta and the other founding fathers of the nation laid a strong foundation for Kenya that has seen the country make tremendous progress over the decades.
“He laid a firm foundation through the harambee spirit and his slogan was Harambee (pulling together), Uhuru (freedom) na Kazi (and service). This is the philosophy through which our country has been developed,” DP Ruto said.
Dr Ruto said President Kenyatta’s Big 4 development blueprint that seeks to bring wholesome transformation of the nation is in the spirit of freedom and service as it intends to empower Kenyans through job and wealth creation.
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