This year’s Madakara Day is
different. Unlike in the past, where leaders would assembly at a stadium to
address Kenyans, most of them, if not all, will give their speeches virtually.
As the country is battling with a pandemic – COVID-19, citizens have been asked
to maintain social distancing.
Former Prime minister Raila Odinga
was among the leaders who addressed Kenyans today. In his speech, the Orange
Democratic Movement party leader acknowledged the citizens who followed
government directives to curb the spread of the pandemic.
Raila also recognized the efforts
made by health workers countrywide to save the lives of Kenyans during the ongoing
pandemic.
“I salute our dedicated health
workers who have risked their lives to lead the battle against COVID-19 from
the front and made all the difference in regards to saving lives.
"I salute
our citizens who have taken personal responsibility in the battle against the pandemic
in addition to following the government guidelines on how to defeat the
coronavirus,” said Raila.
The former
Prime Minister had a message for Kenyans not following government directives,
such as washing hands and avoiding crowded places.
He said that
following government directives not only protects the individual but also the
family and other Kenyans.
"I wish
to urge the few Kenyans who have refused to listen to the advice by the
government, by desisting from overcrowding, from washing their hands with soaps
and sanitizers, from going to overcrowded funeral services. They are doing a
great disservice to this country. By protecting yourself, you will protect your
family and other Kenyans," added Raila.
In the battle
against the pandemic, Raila said Kenya was doing much better compared to other
countries and proved to the world it’s capability.
As Madaraka
stands for Independence, the ODM leader encouraged Kenyans the to win, we have to
struggle and make sacrifices.
“Every
struggle requires sacrifices if we are to win. Freedom fighter underwent
torture and arrests to make Madaraka Day possible,” said Raila.
He encouraged Kenyans
to be resilient despite the current economic situation that last left thousands
jobless, locust invasion, and the floods that have claimed the lives of over
200 people.
Kenya has so
far recorded a total of 1,962 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 64 deaths.