President Uhuru Kenyatta led Kenyans in celebrating 53rd Madaraka day at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.
The president arrived at the Afraha Stadium in a motorcade after 11am before inspecting a guard of honour.
Deputy President William Ruto and a host of other dignitaries graced the event that commemorates Kenya’s attainment of self-rule from British colonial rule.
This is the first time National celebrations are being held outside Nairobi County. President Uhuru chose Nakuru to host the celebrations as an aim to boost national cohesion,integration and to stay in consistent with the constitution.
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Opposition leaders skipped the Afraha event instead held rally at Uhuru Park in Nairobi.
All major roads to and out of the town were closed during the national fete with vehicles with special passes gaining access to the central business district.
Those who attend the event at the newly refurbished stadium were required to abandon their vehicles at two designated areas on the outskirts of the town and walk to the venue.
The Nairobi-Nakuru highway was temporarily closed between 10am and 11am and will be closed again at around 2pm to allow dignitaries and other invited guests with special vehicle passes to go in and out of the stadium.
