Follow our fathers' footsteps, says President Uhuru Kenya

NAIROBI, KENYA: President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on Kenyans not to abandon the ideals of the founding fathers of the nation. He said the country was built on principles of unity, patriotism and selflessness.

“For us to succeed we must pull together and unite. Yes, we are a democratic society entitled to our different opinions but we should not allow those differences to tear the nation apart,” he said.

The President, who spoke during the 36th commemoration of founding father Mzee Jomo Kenyatta’s death, called on Kenyans to be patriotic. The President is the son of the Mzee Kenyatta, who died in 1978.

Celebrating sacrifices

“We are celebrating sacrifices, which he and others made for us to be a nation. Were it not for their sacrifices, Kenya would not be what it is today,” he said.

He said Kenya has managed to remain a united and stable nation because of the values inherited from its founders.

Deputy President William Ruto said it was the foresight and sacrifices of the founding fathers that ensured stability of Kenya.

The Deputy President said the founding father and other leaders joined hands and a laid a firm foundation which has seen the country stand firm for the last fifty years.

“Today is important to us, as we are a mirror of what we want to be. We will lay a foundation under your leadership which will usher in a new Kenya free of ethnicity, hatred and division,” said the Deputy President.

During the event, the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa Rt. Reverend David Riitho Gathanju urged Kenyans to work hard and achieve the desired goals of our founding fathers of a prosperous nation for all. “The onus is on all of us to make Kenya a better place for our children and all generations to come,” said Rev Gathanju.

Earlier, the President Kenyatta led family members and other dignitaries in laying a wreath at Mzee Kenyatta’s Mausoleum at Parliament buildings.

Meanwhile, the President will Saturday travel to Kampala, Uganda where he will give youths tips on leadership, management and business at a high-profile “Townhall meeting”.

The President will deliver the keynote address at the youth forum dubbed “Pakasa” (Luganda for ‘toil’) in his capacity as the Chairman of the East African Community at the invitation of his Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni who will also speak at the event. The theme of the forum is ‘Creating Opportunities for youth in East Africa.”

The forum, organised by Uganda’s leading media house, the Vision Group, brings together experienced individuals to share experiences on how to promote leadership and entrepreneurship among the youth.

The theme of the forum is ‘Creating Opportunities for youth in East Africa.’ President Kenyatta will also hold talks with President Museveni on matters of bilateral interest, including South Sudan.