Jamhuri celebrations feature the old and new

Jubilant Kenyans witnessed the Kenya @ 50 fete at Kasarani. Photo/PHOEBE OKALL 

By  Sandra Chao, schao@ke.nationmedia.com

The Kenya@50 celebrations kicked off in style at the Safaricom Stadium Kasarani with 14 heads of state joining the party.

Among the dignitaries were former president Mwai Kibaki, former prime minister Raila Odinga and former vice president Kalonzo Musyoka.

Kenya’s second president Daniel arap Moi, who led the country for almost half of the 50 years between 1978 and 2002, was conspicuously absent. A day earlier he had launched the Imara Daima Railway Station in Nairobi.

The morning chilly and wet weather failed to deter Kenyans who turned up at the stadium in large numbers armed with umbrellas.

Unlike in other State functions where choral performances dominate the entertainment menu, songs that resonate with the youth got some good airplay.

Young dancers gyrated to songs that punctuated the 50 years of independence as President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto and their wives, Margaret Kenyatta and Rachel Ruto, sang along.

Sauti Sol, Nameless, Suzanna Owiyo, Emmy Kosgei, Tony Nyadundo and Amani were among musicians who took part in the 50 years of Kenya’s musical journey, blending the old and new.

In line with the East African Community spirit, a Burundian dance troupe and another from Rwanda performed.

On Wednesday night, President Kenyatta led the country in hoisting the Kenyan flag at Uhuru Gardens, the very place where his father, Founding President Jomo, had hoisted the independence flag 50 years earlier.

An expedition to hoist the flag at the peak of Mount Kenya led by Teddy Mutoko, the son of Kisoi Munyao who had achieved the feat at Independence, did not get there on time following incremental weather.

Even the security officers took part in the celebrations joining in the song that gospel singer Rufftone performed with the GSU band praying for peace and blessings for the country.

Comedy presented at the ceremony was also a mix of the old and new. Walter Mong’are of the trail-blazing Redykyulass crew mimicked former President Moi while upcoming female comedian Teacher Wanjiku left the crowd in stitches.

Children spelt out messages in formations starting with the map of Kenya, the number fifty and the word Uhuru, which resonated with the day’s key message.

At the end of the entertainment, people stood to join in the words of Rufftone and the GSU band’s song asking God to bless Kenya.

Holding hands, the President, Deputy President and their wives joined in the song’s chorus, “Mungu Baba twaomba, uilinde nchi yetu tuishi kwa umoja; Chuki si tumalizetusameheane tupendane (Father God we pray that you protect our country so that we may live in unity. Help us to stop hatred and learn to forgive and love one another.)