President Uhuru joins Kenyans in marking Mashujaa Day

NAIROBI, KENYA: President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto are among dignitaries gathered at Nyayo Stadium for the celebration of Mashujaa Day.

The President arrived at the Stadium some few minutes after 11 am and proceeded to inspect guard of honour mounted by disciplined forces.

Many Kenyans braved chilly Monday weather to attend the celebration.

Cabinet Secretaries Charity Ngilu, Kazungu Kambi, Najib balala, Anne Waiguru, and Chief Justice Willy Mutunga are among dignitaries already at the venue ready for entertainment and speeches to mark the occasion.

Initially named Kenyatta Day, after the country’s first president and Uhuru’s father Jomo Kenyatta, but renamed in 2010 following ratification of the new Constitution to honour national heroes, it is a day to also rekindle national pride.

On Sunday, leaders from across the political divide gave mixed reviews as to the direction the country was taking under the stewardship of President Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto.

President Kenyatta's team say they have done much although they concede there have been enormous challenges in the last 18 months.

Among the achievements that Jubilee prides itself on is the construction of standard gauge railway that is under way and last Friday's launch of 140 megawatts of geothermal power to the national grid, as part of its target of 5000MW by 2017 to make power cheaper and attract investors.

Free maternity services launched immediately Uhuru assumed office, the increment of budgetary allocation for free primary and secondary education and the 30 per cent policy of Government contracts to youths, women and persons with disability are other measures the Government has showcased. See also: CORD leaders ready to face EACC over Karen land However, Jubilee critics, including the Opposition CORD (Coalition for Reform and Democracy), accuse the State of failing to tackle the high cost of living, insecurity, unemployment and corruption.