CS Hassan Wario calls for unity as Kenya embarks on another 50-year journey

Standard Group Chief Executive Sam Shollei (right), Francis Munywoki, Director Business Development and Innovation and Nairobi County government minister Ann Othoro admire some of the photos exhibited by Standard Group at the National Museum of Kenya.  [PHOTO: PIUS CHERUIYOT/STANDARD]

By NGARI GICHUKI

NAIROBI, KENYA: Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture and the Arts Hassan Wario has appealed to Kenyans to shun tribalism. In a speech read by Principal Secretary Patrick Omutia during the opening of the “Kenya at 50: A journey through time” exhibition at the Nairobi National Museum, Wario said tribalism had become one of the greatest obstacles to a greater Kenya.

Wario said the Kenya at 50 celebrations had given Kenyans a chance to reflect on the long journey that we have made as a nation towards achieving the true social, political and economic independence.

“As we reflect on this journey, we should not forget that our past has made us what we are today, but more importantly, we have an opportunity to shape a better future from the great lessons learnt,” said Wario.

He also asked Kenyans to let go and not dwell on the bitterness of the past but rather start on a clean slate the journey to the next great 50 years of our nation.

The exhibition by the Standard Group is part of the Kenya @50 celebrations  and highlights various historical developments since independence that have shaped the nation. The exhibition will run for a year and will also be showcased in eight towns and cities in National Museum of Kenya branches.

Standard Group Chief Executive Sam Shollei noted that since a majority of Kenyan population was born after independence, there was need to have an exhibition that provided an opportunity to learn, appreciate and experience the effort and sacrifice made by the Government, institutions and individuals in the social, political and economic development of Kenya.

IMPERIAL FLAG

“The story of Kenyan independence tells the narrative of Kenya’s long and hard struggle for political and social freedom from the clutches of colonial oppression. On this occasion, we marked the day when the British imperial flag was lowered and the Kenyan independence flag was hoisted....The exhibition will provide Kenyans with the opportunity to experience this rich moment in the history of our country,” said Shollei.

Shollei added that since Standard Group has been a witness to Kenya’s growth for over 110 years, it will use its unique position to provide a window to its rich historical records to Kenyans.