Fireworks at Uhuru gardens on December 12, 2013 to commemorate Kenya at 50. Photo/ JEFF ANGOTE
By Nation Reporter
More by this Author
1442: Deputy President Ruto mentions former vice president Kalonzo Musyoka, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and former president Mwai Kibaki present at the event.
1430: Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (President, Uganda) is next. Also speaking in Kiswahili, congratulates Kenya on marking her independence. As Kenyans fought for their independence, they didn't just fight for themselves, he says. Several African countries have already celebrated their 50 anniversary, thanks Kenyans for standing against the "arrogance of colonisers."
1425: Tanzania President Jakaya Kikwete: "Happy birthday" to Kenya, he says in his remarks in Kiswahili. Mwenye macho haambiwi tazama," he says, pointing out that Kenya's economy has grown big in the region. Kenya is one, the citizens are one, and Tanzania wishes that Kenya remains united and peaceful in the next 50 years. Tanzania will continue close cooperation with Kenya as a member of the East African Community, he says.
1422: PM Desalegn of Ethiopia acknowledges the Kenyan struggle towards independence and the African solidarity. Wishes Kenya all the best in celebrating 50 years of independence.
President Banda thanks former First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta for what she did for her in 1975, without giving details. She thanks Kenyan women for their support.
1417: President Joyce Banda of Malawi speaking. "Hamjambo wananchi, she greets the crowd." She recounts the time when she lived in Kileleshwa in Nairobi, Kenya. Her achievements started there, she says
1415: President Jonathan congratulates Kenya on the 50th anniversary. Points the role of citizens in developing their country. "Nobody can develop Kenya more than its citizens."
1410: President Ali Ben Bongo of Gabon now greets the crowd. After him is Goodluck Jonathan, President of Nigeria.
1408: Mr Ruto mentions the presence of special envoys from China, India and Japan representatives from many other countries and organisations.
1402: Mr Ruto introduces guests 'who have made sacrifices to be with us here today." Mentions presidents of including Eritrea, DR Congo, Sri Lanka, Burundi, Tanzania, Botswana, Nigeria, who are present at the event. Others are President of Comoros, South Sudan's Presiden Salva Kiir, President Joyce Banda of Malawi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Gebremariam Desalegn.
Prime Ministers from Namibia and Rwanda also present.
1358: Deputy President William Ruto on the podium, takes the moment to honour "those who came before us." He mentions freedom heroes, and the past three presidents of the country.
Says the government is going to work will all people, public servants, civil society, the media, to "build one country."
1315: Comedian Walter Mong’are, imitating retired President Daniel arap Moi is well received by the crowds.
1313: Churchill introduces fellow comedian Teacher Wanjiku to huge cheers from the crowd.
1311: A performance by a Rwandese group has just ended. Comedian 'Churchill' Daniel Ndambuki now on the stage.
1301: Cultural performance from a Burundian troupe now ongoing.
1225: Applause as musician Rufftone and the GSU band performs their song Mungu Baba.
1222: Quite a mix of musicians including Emmy Kosgei, Suzanna Owiyo, Amani, Nameless, Tony Nyadundo and Sauti Sol performing at the celebrations to applause from the crowds at Kasarani.
1158: Veteran radio presenter Fred Obachi Machoka makes an brief introduction of "50 years of Kenya's musical journey' as before presentations by entertainment groups.
1150: John Cardinal Njue now leading prayers at the Kenya at 50 celebrations.
Interdenominational prayers begin at the ceremony. Speaking now is Anglican Archbishop Eliud Wabukala.
Earlier, President Kenyatta inspected a guard of honour, which was preceded by 21 gun salute as the crowd cheered on.
---
Kenya is celebrating its golden jubilee marking 50 years of independence from Britain on Thursday.
President Uhuru Kenyatta is leading the event at Safaricom Stadium Kasarani, expected to be attended by more than ten heads of states.
Already, 14 head of states and governments have arrived at the venue including Presidents of Uganda, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Comoros, Nigeria and Botswana. Two Prime ministers representing Rwanda and Namibia have also arrived.
At the stroke of midnight Wednesday, Kenyans ushered in the country’s 50th birthday in style, pomp and colour to commemorate the golden moment.
Fireworks rocked the air at midnight when the flag was hoisted to mark the 50th birthday of the country’s independence.
(Read: Key dates in Kenya's history)
President Kenyatta planted a commemorative tree to mark the occasion.
The President, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto, his wife Rachel and a host of dignitaries were united in ushering in the golden jubilee of independence.
President Kenyatta urged Kenyans to remain united and committed to making the country, East Africa and Africa prosperous and peaceful in the next fifty years.
“Tonight, we bear testimony of our fidelity to the aspirations of our freedom fighters, independence heroes and founding fathers. In time, we have overcome much to become a modern, open, democratic nation doing its best for its citizens and neighbours,” the President said.
President Kenyatta said Kenyans forged an unshakeable consensus to use resources at their disposal to bring a better life to all citizens adding “we are on our way to becoming a richer and better country to live in”.
He urged Kenyans to love one another saying tribalism and discrimination on race or creed should be avoided for unity to prevail.
The President also told Kenyans to owe allegiance to the Constitution that guaranteed them fundamental rights to basic neeeds in life.
No comments :
Post a Comment