PRESIDENT UHURU PRESIDES OVER THE 58TH MADARAKA DAY CELEBRATIONS

HE Hon Uhuru Kenyatta President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces has today presided over the 58th Madaraka Day celebrations at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Kisumu.

Madaraka day is an annual celebration marked in commemoration of the day Kenya attained self-rule.

This year’s event saw the President inspect a guard of honour mounted by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops, and together with his counterpart, President of the Republic of Burundi Major General Evariste Ndayishimiye, witnessed a fly past by the KDF aeroplanes and the landing of paratroopers from the Special Operations Training School.

President Uhuru in his address, lauded the sacrifice made by our fore fathers who helped Kenya attain self -rule.

“Today we celebrate our war heroes who gave their all including their lives for us to live free. They sacrificed their freedoms and lives knowing fully well that sometimes those who sow fruits of freedom may never enjoy the fruits that follow,” said the Commander- in- Chief of the Defence Forces.

“As we celebrate self- rule today, we must honour our founding fathers who dared to imagine Kenya, they are the architects of this young Republic, and from this Nyanza region, among others Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Joseph Paul Mboya, Ochieng’ Oneko who was among the Kapenguria six among others,” he added.

The Head of State further noted that the revival of dead capital, among them the rehabilitation of the 566 kilometers of Meter Gauge Railway (MGR) and MV Uhuru ship vessel, undertaken by the government will foster economic gains. He said the 200 kilometers Nairobi-Nanyuki rail line is cheaper, safe and more comfortable.

“The train shall be carrying 1,600 passengers which translates to a convoy of 120 matatus. Although it takes longer by train, passengers shall make 60 per cent savings using the revived rail system and have more money left in their pockets while at the same time travelling in greater comfort and safety,” said the President.

In attendance were H.E Margret Kenyatta First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, H.E Angeline Ndayishimiye First Lady of the Republic of Burundi, Deputy President Dr. William Ruto and his spouse, Cabinet Secretary for Defence Amb Dr. Monica Juma, other Cabinet Secretaries, Chief of the Defence Forces General Robert Kibochi, Service Commanders and other distinguished guests.