Jamhuri day: Deadly pandemic, crippling economy overshadow Kenya's big day

Kenya Armed forces rehearsing at Nyayo National Stadium. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

It will be a Jamuhuri Day like no other. No large crowds packing the stands at Nyayo National Stadium, or other venues across the country, waiting for government officials to read the president's speech.

Instead, only 5,000 people will be allowed into the Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, against a sitting capacity of 35,000, to ensure social distancing in keeping with Covid-19 protocols. The usual pomp and pageantry associated with the day will be replaced by a hybrid of virtual and physical celebrations as the country marks 57 years since it became a republic.

“The event will begin at 9am and end at 1 to 2pm. The event will be in strict compliance with Covid-19 protocols," Nairobi County Commissioner James Kianda said.

Today's celebrations also come at a time the country is grappling with hardships brought about by the pandemic, including a health workers strike, crippling economy and public debt.

“I will be mourning because independence is a hoax. The beneficiaries of independence are our leaders, not the mwananchi," said Charles Kabiru, a jua kali artisan at Bama in Nakuru Town East constituency on this day.

Kabiru expects President Uhuru Kenyatta to come up with a concrete plan on how his government will protect children from Covid-19 when schools reopen.

“We have seen what is happening to doctors, nurses and clinical officers who are frontline workers in the fight against Covid-19. This government has failed to protect them, how will it protect our children?” he posed.

Under normal circumstances, families would go for outings after attending the various fetes across the country and entertainment joints would be full with enthusiastic revelers.

Still, it will be a time to recall the independence struggle with nostalgia.

“In spite of the pandemic, we need to reflect on this day and ask ourselves if truly we have real independence, and the peace and prosperity meant to accompany it, which has remained elusive,” says former Subukia MP Koigi Wa Wamwere.

But Gitile Naituli, a don at Multimedia University, said this year’s holiday does not reflect the independence optimism Kenyans had before.

“Our ‘independence’ supersedes reality. It is characterised by exploitation, hopelessness, mental slavery and lack of opportunity. Independence should offer freedom and equal opportunity to all,” Naituli said.