54th Madaraka Day Celebrations: Raila Snubbed As Uhuru Outlines Intentions For The Nation

Hundreds of Kenyans on Thursday packed the Kabiruini ASK Stadium in Nyeri for the 54th Madaraka Day celebrations.

The day marked a milestone in Kenya’s history, as it commemorates the time Kenyans were granted self-rule in 1964 by British colonialists.

President Kenyatta led the celebrations after arriving the venue around 11.20 am with First Lady Margaret and DP William Ruto along with several other government officials. NASA principal Raila Odinga and other Opposition leaders were also at the venue where security was tight.

The presence of Mr. Odinga, Nasa’s presidential candidate, was, however, not recognized as it had happened in the past. Raila was also not given a chance to greet the crowd or make a few remarks as he sat through the event.

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Uhuru inspected a guard of honor before various individuals and groups performed for the crowd.

The Kenyan leader then addressed the country on issues affecting the public, on the backdrop of a dwindling sense of nationalism. He also took the opportunity to urge peace as the country enters the campaign season.

Kenya is scheduled to hold a General Election on August 8, with the President seeking a second term.

He outlined his accomplishments which included new infrastructure projects, the standard gauge railway, and free maternity services. Other achievements in education, energy, and trade were also highlighted.

The President, however, focused on the security sector as he reiterated that the Kenya Defence Forces would remain in Somalia to ensure Kenya is secure and Somalia is stable.

Kenyan soldiers are part of the African Union forces battling Islamic terror group, Al-Shabaab, in the war-ravaged Horn of Africa nation that has been unstable since 1991.

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During the celebrations, Mr. Kenyatta gave out goodies to the people of Nyeri, with the biggest beneficiaries being Mau Mau fighters living in colonial villages.

After the 54th Madaraka Day celebrations, the President headed to the county commissioner’s residence near Nyeri town where he was hosted to lunch.