KENYA CELEBRATES 62ND MADARAKA DAY
Kenyans countrywide and abroad are celebrating the 62nd Madaraka Day.
President William Ruto led the national festivities at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County, held under the theme, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, underscoring Kenya’s commitment to harnessing its vast aquatic resources for sustainable economic growth.
In his speech, the Head of State called on Kenyans to embrace change, saying the country was firmly on the right path of progress and the bottom-up agenda was now a reality. ” We, the people, are the foundation, pillar and engine of this nation, and only we can build the Kenya that we want. This is our country, and we have no other. Bottom-Up is not just a mere slogan; today it is a lived reality for millions of Kenyans, transforming lives, and we are shaping destinies across the country day by day,” said President Ruto.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga calls for compensation for the families of those who died and those injured during the Gen Z protests last year. “Two years ago, we were on the streets protesting, even last year. Recently, apologies were made during a prayer breakfast, but then people were injured, and some died. Their families should be compensated so that we can have a closure to this chapter. We want Kenyans to live in Peace and in unity,” said Raila. He also appealed for more funds to be channelled to the counties, saying devolution is working despite setbacks. “Devolution has several challenges, more resources should be allocated to counties so that they can provide the much-needed services,” noted Raila.
Homa Bay County Governor Gladys Wanga lauded the national government for facilitating the hosting of the national celebrations in the lakeside county. “ In line with this year’s Madaraka Day theme of blue economy and maritime affairs, we request the national government to support the set-up of Blue Economy Centre of Excellence at the Tom Mboya University,” said Wanga.
The event in Homa Bay County was graced by Slovenia President Nataša Musar, who is on a three-day state visit to Kenya. Extending warm wishes to Kenyans, President Musar’s Madaraka Day message was “We must not be discouraged by the troubled world in which we live. We should look for opportunities that lead to a strong economy, scientific progress, innovation, and environmental protection. Unity and determination have brought us this far, they will take us even further. The lessons of the past shape the visions for the future. Let us ask ourselves if we are ready to raise our voices to tackle our common problems. Our countries believe in multilateralism.”
Marked annually on June 1st, Madaraka Day commemorates Kenya’s attainment of internal self-rule from British Colonial powers in 1963.
