KENYA: Nyayo National Stadium dripped with patriotism as Kenyans from all walks of life turned up in large numbers to celebrate Mashujaa Day Sunday.
Mwakigwena Choir performing at the Nyayo Stadium Sunday. Their moving musical narration of the detention of the Kapenguria Six moved the audience, ensuring a deafening silence throughout their presentation. PHOTO: COLLINS KWEYU/STANDARD
Organisers took advantage of yesterday’s celebrations to set in motion a festive mood ahead of celebrations to mark Kenya’s 50 years of independence, which will climax on December 12—Jamhuri Day.
Even before President Uhuru Kenyatta stood up to give his speech and officially announce the calendar for the forthcoming celebrations, a deep sense of patriotism had been injected among those who attended the colourful celebrations at the stadium by artists; both young and old.
And in what appeared as a deliberate move to deepen this sense of patriotism, the President borrowed heavily from the national anthem as he rallied Kenyans to stand firm and be proud of their country.
“I implore you in the name of our heroes: Let all and one arise and with hearts both strong and true, endeavour to honestly serve our homeland. Let us stand firm to defend our heritage and splendour,” said Uhuru.
He added: “With one accord, and united in a common bond, let us build this nation. Let a glorious Kenya be the fruit of our collective labour, which will fill all Kenyans with thanksgiving”.
Sorrowful voices
The entertainment was well planned, with musicians singing music from across the years; showering praises to freedom heroes, without whom Kenya, would perhaps still be groaning under the heel of the colonialists. Other performers rallied Kenyans to embrace the spirit of nationhood and patriotism.
The golden oldies, some delivered by their now aged composers, moved the thousands who packed the stadium, bringing back memories of yesteryears when Sauti ya Kenya, the precursor of State broadcaster, KBC, played these songs day-in, day-out.
Remnants of the Mwakigwena Choir, famed for their ‘Wimbo wa Historia’, a moving musical narration of the detention of the Kapenguria Six and the pain endured by leaders during the freedom struggle, moved the audience, ensuring a deafening silence throughout their presentation.
It was the first time that the women behind the sorrowful voices were being seen in public after their performances fizzled out during founding President Jomo Kenyatta’s period.
Members of Muungano National Choir, another group which was particularly famous during retired President Daniel arap Moi’s era, were also back on stage, doing their popular songs ‘Kenya Yangu’ and ‘Heko Jamuhuri’.
A section of freedom heroes who assembled at the main dais to the left of President Kenyatta, many donning apparel bearing national flag colours, applauded the loudest as the patriotism songs of yester-year were played.
Among those who were in charge of the entertainment programme was veteran broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela, without doubt a hero in the field of broadcasting.
There were also light moments during the celebrations, especially when a duo of popular comedians, under the banner ‘Creative Generations’, took to the stage. The two, Mchungaji and Mtumishi thrilled the audience with their witty narratives, leaving even the President and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta in stitches. Their hilarious one-liners such as “Wanaume wakivaliaboxers, Conjestina atakosa kazi,” made the stadium reverberate with laughter.
Unlike in the past when members of the Maasai community would offer traditional prayers, a Kaya elder Menza Charo Tuva led Sunday’s traditional prayers in Giriama.
In the absence of Deputy President William Ruto Sports Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario invited the President to give his address.
By MOSES NJAGIH, The Standard
