For the second year running, Jamhuri Day celebrations in counties across the country were low-key affairs, as leaders and ordinary Kenyans kept off the designated venues.
In Mt Kenya region, the backyard of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, residents boycotted the celebrations, with some citing the removal of the DP, but government officials nevertheless read President William Ruto’s speech.
In Nyeri, the celebrations at the Dedan Kimathi grounds were poorly attended, with most of the participants being children who were attracted to the occasion by free sodas and loafs of bread.
Rowdy youths in Rongo, Migori, disrupt reading of President Ruto's Jamhuri Day speech
Governor Mutahi Kahiga and his county government officials gave the event, which was presided over by the county commissioner and his deputy, a wide berth. Local politicians including MPs and MCAs did not also attend.
In Nyandarua, residents walked out of Engineer Stadium rejecting President William Ruto speech.
Trouble started when the County Commissioner Abdirisack Jaldesa took to the stadium to read the speech, soon after Governor Kiarie Badilisha addressed the forum.
Drama as Kinangop residents interrupt President Ruto's Jamhuri Day speech
They walked out of the stadium as the county commissioner pleaded for sanity, but his voice was drowned by the residents who sung anti-government songs.
"We are done with Ruto, we don't want anything to do with him, he betrayed us, he and local MPs who supported former DP Rigathi Gachagua impeachment must go," shouted a resident during the walkout.
During the event, Governor Kiarie Badilisha highlighted his achievements in two years, but protested national government Treasury for delays in releasing funds, affecting smooth implementation of development agenda.
Senator John Methu and woman representative Faith Gitau and most of the elected MPs were conspicuously missing in the event.
"There is nothing much to be happy about 61 years since we attained self-rule. We kept off the celebrations because of harsh economic times," said a resident James Mbugua.
In Nakuru Deputy Governor David Kones and county commissioner Loyford Kibaara led the celebrations at Ol Rongai polytechnic.
However, there was low attendance, with most of the elected county leaders missing. Many Nakuru residents gave the event a wide berth.
Nakuru County Commissioner Clifford Kibara (centre) and other top county security officials during Jamhuri Day celebrations at Ol Rongai on December 12, 2024.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation Media Group
In Trans Nzoia, a handful residents who turned up for the event at Sikhendu Primary School grounds left after the entertainment session as the County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi prepared to read the president’s speech.
“There is little to celebrate due to harsh economic times. We are issued with a lot of promises with little or nothing to change our livelihoods for the better,” said Erickson Wechenje.
It was business as usual in Kitale town with traders and transporters going with their routine operations with no county enforcement or police officers patrolling the streets.
“What is the point attending the celebrations while I have nothing to give to my family? There is nothing exciting at the event apart from the usual government promises,” said Joseph Espira, one the town residents.
Members of the public who attended the Jamhuri Day celebrations at Dedan Kimathi Grounds in Nyeri town on December 12, 2024.
Photo credit: Joseph Kanyi | Nation Media Group
Mr Oyagi called on parents to closely monitor their children during the festive season to ensure they do not fall victim to anti-social behaviours like alcoholism.
Governor George Natembeya noted that devolution is a game changer that has helped bring services closer to the people.
It was similar situation in Turkana County where most residents kept off the event at Moi Gardens in Lodwar town
Most Lodwar town residents went about their normal business activities as Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai and County Commissioner Julius Kavita led county government officials and security team in celebrations with the VIP dias being the most occupied.
What interested few locals who attended the celebrations were marching of security officers and traditional songs and dances.
A flooded section of the Mwahima Stadium Grounds during the Jamhuri Day celebrations for Mombasa County on December 12, 2024.
Photo credit: Wachira Mwangi Nation Media Group
In Mombasa, the celebrations at the Mwahima Stadium Grounds in Likoni ended up openly revealing the gap of lifestyle between leaders and ordinary citizens.
Thanks to Mother Nature, the event also exposed the dire need of fully functioning stadiums in Mombasa County.
As leaders and government officials arrived in four-wheel-drive vehicles to navigate the rain-soaked roads and flooded grounds, citizens were left to their own devices.
A man on a motorcycle braves heavy morning rains at Mwahima Stadium Grounds in Mombasa County during the Jamhuri Day celebrations on December 12, 2024.
Photo credit: Wachira Mwangi Nation Media Group
While some citizens waded through puddles of water at the stadium to gain entrance, others resorted to creative means such as climbing ladders.
A group of children who were all set to be part of the entertainment team were among those who had to climb a ladder, over a perimeter wall and into the stadium.
Despite the hours of continuous rainfall throughout the morning, a sizable crowd had shown up for the event presided over by County Commissioner Mohamed Nur.
Others who attended the function were Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Likoni MP Mishi Mboko, some Mombasa Members of the County Assembly and National Government Administration Officers.
Taking note of the sorry state of the stadium, Mr Nassir expressed plans to transform the stadium into a world-class facility capable of hosting Fifa games.
"This stadium will be upgraded to meet Fifa standards. We want our youth to have a space that inspires their dreams," he stated.
So far Mombasa has no fully functional stadium except the Mbaraki Sports Club which is owned by the Kenya Ports Authority.
The soggy weather conditions gave the event a subdued atmosphere but did little to dampen the residents' patriotic spirit.
In Uasin Gishu County it was normal business in Eldoret as National Government officials and local leaders attended the event at Cheromei in Jua Kali area.
Jamhuri Day celebrations at Ukunda Showground in Kwale County on December 12, 2024 was marked by a low turnout.
Photo credit: Siago Cece | Nation Media Group
Governor Jonathan Bii disclosed that the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has received illegally acquired land in Eldoret city valued at Sh3.2 million.
“Land is deeply emotive issue and we are putting land grabbers on notice and calling on relevant authorities to safeguard the rights and interest of our people,” appealed Mr Bii
He defended his development record in office noting that it was aimed at initiating development projects aimed at empowering the locals improve their livelihoods.
In Kericho, Governor Erick Mutai and county commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo urged residents to continue registering for the Social Health Authority (SHA), to ensure they access a comprehensive range of quality health care services.
“Everyone can apply for registration to the Authority as a member of the Social Health Authority and it is simple, just dial *147# and follow the prompts to register,” Dr Mutai said.
He noted that misinformation and propaganda had slowed down a smooth registration of more people into the new national Social Health Authority (SHA) in the country.
In Kisii, County Commissioner Kibet Boen and Deputy Governor Elijah Obebo led residents in marking Jamhuri Day at Nyanturago grounds in Nyaribari Chache Constituency.
Locals asked President William Ruto to solve the controversy surrounding the new medical scheme SHIF so that it can benefit Kenyans seeking healthcare.
"We want to see a functional health scheme so that our people can access affordable health care. We do not want to see our people suffering yet they make monthly contributions," Josephat Sagero, a resident of Kisii said.
In Siaya, police announced that they will no longer be permitting night music at funerals more so during the December festive season.
Siaya County Commissioner Nobert Jara Komora who was addressing the locals who had turned up for the Jamuhuri Day celebrations said the triple threat was still an issue in Siaya County.
“We shall not have a music extravaganza of any form in the village this season. The triple threat is a serious matter that all of us must fight collectively,” said Mr Komora.
In Embu county however, the celebrations held at Mbui Njeru Secondary School playground in Runyenjes Constituency were led by Governor Cecily Mbarire.
Ms Mbarire said 127,000 Embu residents have registered for Social Health Insurance Fund, adding that Embu is one of the leading counties in registration nationally.
Traditional dancers entertain guests during the Jamhuri Day celebrations at Dedan Kimathi Grounds in Nyeri town on December 12, 2024.
Photo credit: Joseph Kanyi | Nation Media Group
"We are among the six best counties which have done well in SHI registration. Our people have done well and they should keep up the spirit," she said.
"Patients who have registered as SHI members are receiving treatment in Embu Level Five hospital free of charge. Residents should continue registering so as to benefit from the health insurance," she said.
In Samburu, the dusty town of Wamba came to life as it hosted this year's Jamuhuri Day.
Contrary to other parts of the country where locals boycotted the celebrations, the event that was held at Wamba Stadium drew a fully packed crowd.
In a spectacular show of tradition, Samburu leaders, including County Governor Jonathan Lelelit, local Members of Parliament, and other county officials donned colorful traditional regalia. Beaded necklaces, colourful Samburu shukas, and feathered headdresses dominated the scene and even created a lively and authentic atmosphere.
Governor Lelelit, while addressing the residents in the region, expressed optimism that his administration would alleviate poverty and other and enhance food security.
By Eric Matara, Geoffrey Ondieki, Wachira Mwangi, Kalume Kazungu, Siago Cece, Lucy Mkanyika, Stephen Oduor, Wycliffe Nyaberi, Kassim Adinasi, George Odiwuor, Shaban Makokha, Domnic Ombok, Judith Ch erono, Mercy Mwende, George Munene, Mwangi Ndirangu and Titus Ominde
