President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged all Kenyans to honor the heroes who fought for the establishment and full independence of Kenya. The President led Kenyans from all walks of life in marking the 56th Jamhuri day fete at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, with regional and County commissioners presiding over the functions back in the Counties. Kenya became a republic on December 12th 1964 after gaining Independence on 1st June 1963 and President Kenyatta said those who were on the forefront during that time deserve the honor.
“As we celebrate our sovereignty, we honor those who gave their lives so that we could’ve live free…those who stood their ground in Legco and refused to be compromised with a promise a half baked and empty independence, those who guarded the young Kenya against adversities,” he said.
He said as a nation, we shall remain grateful to our independence era heroes who delivered a free Kenya and restored the ability of Kenyans to govern themselves and determine our own destiny, “Today we are called upon to honor their commitment and sacrifice by being true to the ideals that they lived and died for, especially the ideal of one Kenya, united, strong and prosperous with freedom and justice for all.”
Several leaders, led by Deputy President William Ruto, were present at Nyayo Stadium, together with many Kenyans. The special guest of the day was Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley who is on a state visit to Kenya. President Kenyatta said her acceptance to join Kenyans to celebrate Jamhuri Day is an indication of her commitment to the promotion of Pan Africanism and bridges that unite the Caribbean and Africa.