Jamhuri Day: Ruto formalises Wajir Air Base after 10 years of service
President William Ruto arrives at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi for the Jamhuri Day celebrations on December 12, 2024.
Update: PRESIDENT RUTO formalises Wajir Airbase by handing it presidential and regimental colours; airbase now to receive own budget, conduct full operations.
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Uhuru Gardens was abuzz with pomp and pageantry as Kenya celebrated its 61st Jamhuri Day, a celebration steeped in tradition and national pride.
The crisp morning air reverberated with the anticipation of the crowds, who began trickling in as early as 6.30am.
Members of the public arrive at Uhuru Gardens for Jamhuri Day celebrations.
By 10am, the venue was full of colour, with several people dressed in the colours of the national flag - black, red, green and white.
The anniversary of the country's independence from its colonial master, the British Empire, was marked with a colourful, well-coordinated fanfare, perhaps as a sign of the country's determination to rise above the morass of economic hardship that still exists.
In the open field at the centre of the gardens, troops from the Army, Navy and Air Force from Wajir Air Base stood gallantly and focused. It was a big day for them too.
The troops were dressed in the official ceremonial outfits of their respective services.
Those from the Army were in red tunic ceremonial outfits, those from the Air Force in navy blue and the rest from the Navy in their spotless white ceremonial tunics and almost knee-high black boots.
Military officers at Uhuru Gardens for Jamhuri Day celebrations.
Today's event also featured the trooping of colours, a ceremonial highlight led by Wajir Air Base (WAB).
Established in 1974, WAB has played a pivotal role in securing Kenya's north-eastern border over the past decade, operating from its strategic position to counter al-Shabaab incursions from Somalia.
The unit's tireless efforts to protect the nation were recognised when President William Ruto formalised its status by presenting the airbase with presidential and regimental colours.
Members of the public watch the proceedings at Uhuru Gardens during the Jamhuri Day celebrations.
As a result, the airbase can now receive its own budget and conduct full operations.
This time, the honour of carrying the presidential colours as WAB paraded around Uhuru Gardens went to Lieutenant Francis Opondo, while Lieutenant Abdinoor Wako carried the regimental colours of WAB.
Each was escorted by two armed senior non-commissioned officers to signify the importance of the colour, the loss of which would lead to the disbanding of the unit.
During the celebrations, members of the military band literally blew their trumpets to soothe the crowd with soulful hymns and gospel songs.
President William Ruto took a ceremonial lap around the Uhuru Gardens track in a fortified Toyota Land Cruiser, fitted with tall bulletproof glass on the sides for added security.
Children watch the proceedings at Uhuru Gardens during the Jamhuri Day celebrations.
The front of the vehicle was emblazoned with "C-in-C" (Commander-in-Chief) alongside the national coat of arms, a symbol of presidential authority.
This modern vehicle, first used during President Uhuru Kenyatta's 2020 term, replaced the traditional Land Rover previously used for such occasions, signalling a blend of tradition and modernity in Kenya's state ceremonies.
Gambian President Adam Barrow graced the occasion as the day's guest of honour.
Mr Barrow began his second term as President of The Gambia in 2021 with over 53 per cent of the vote.
He is the president whose inauguration ended 20 years of dictatorship in his country after then-leader Yahya Jammeh went into exile.
