Pomp and colour at Jamhuri Day fete

President William Ruto is escorted by military officers at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi on December 12, 2023. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

A throng of Kenyans sat patiently and anxiously at Uhuru Gardens where President William Ruto presided over Jamhuri Day celebrations.

Feelings of anxiety, about what he would offer Kenyans at a time they are grappling with a high cost of living, and the joy of Kenya marking its 60th anniversary since attaining independence, were pulsating as the Head of State made his way into the venue a few minutes to 10am.

While conducting the customary lap of honour, Dr Ruto came face to face with the raw aspirations of about 30,000 Kenyans who cheered and waved flags in acknowledgement.

Donned in a black suit, light blue shirt and red tie, the president looked confident as he carried the hopes of about 50 million Kenyans distressed by the high cost of living.

Clergy blesses flags during trooping of colours on Jamhuri Day Celebrations 2023 at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi on December 12, 2023. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

The Head of State then presided over his second trooping of colours ceremony mounted by the 25 Mechanised Infantry Battalion (MIB).

The entertainment segment was also not left out as artistes graced the stage, one after the other, to celebrate the country’s achievement. Actors, artists and musicians all gave electrifying performances which had been specifically tailored for the Jamhuri Day celebrations.

Key performers included musician Eric Wainaina whose songs Daima and Nchi Ya Kitu Kidogo have become staples, Kevin Wyre also known as Wyre, Gilad Millo, Nazizi Hirji, Fena Gitu, Bensoul, Kevin Bahati and Karwirwa Laura.

An amalgamation of Nairobi Choristers performed their medley of patriotic songs including 'Heko Jamhuri', 'Tunajivunia' and 'Tuishangilie Kenya'.

Bensoul, Bahati, Fena, Laura and Maimooh also wowed the crowd with their collaboration of a song titled 'Kidete' while  Nazizi, Wyre, Gilad and Johny Skani performed their song 'Champion'.

Those who performed skits included actress Elizabeth Wanjiru famously known as Charity Mwamba of Mother-in-Law, Jackie Nyaminde alias Wilbroda of Papa Shirandula and Davis Mwabili famously known as Inspekta Mwala of Inspekta Mwala, Ondiek Nyuka Kwota and Makokha Makacha among others.

Lawrence Macharia alias Terence Creative also gave a crowd-pleasing performance not forgetting the Gravitti Band, Citam Karen Men's Chorale and the Presidential Escort Unit Band which performed a medley of patriotic songs. The performances were produced by the Permanent Presidential Music Commission.

Outside, thousands of Kenyans whose clamour to gain entry was denied by the security at the entrance parched themselves on trees and vantage points to keenly follow the proceedings.

And when he took the podium, Ruto did not waste time re-assure the sea of humanity gathered of the gains of his administration while he spelt out his roadmap for the coming year.