On Wednesday, Kenyans flocked Nyayo Stadium in celebrations as Kenya marked her 55 years of Independence. As per norm, the ceremony is presided of by the President. They anxiously waited for the President to arrive as they listened to several songs of independence.
President Uhuru Kenyatta arrived dressed in military attire for the first time ever during a national holiday. He has been presiding over he events in his civilian attires, with the last event being held at Moi sports centre Kasarani.
His father Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, who was the founding President, and retired President Daniel arap Moi also wore the gear on national holidays.
President @UKenyatta and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi as they prepared to leave for the 55th Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo Stadium. The Red Tunic donned by President @UKenyatta was also worn by former Presidents Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel Moi. pic.twitter.com/rQJWRsbGdi
— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) December 12, 2018
However, retired President Mwai Kibaki never wore military fatigues, but what does wearing of military gear by the President mean?
Wearing military uniform by heads of state is perceived to be a show of power.
Uhuru arrived at Nyayo National Stadium soon after First Lady Margaret Kenyatta for the 55th Jamhuri Day celebrations.
President @UKenyatta and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi as they prepared to leave for the 55th Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo Stadium. The Red Tunic donned by President @UKenyatta was also worn by former Presidents Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel Moi. pic.twitter.com/rQJWRsbGdi
— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) December 12, 2018
Deputy President William Ruto and his wife Rachel had arrived earlier and were welcomed by a jubilant crowd at the stadium.
AU Envoy Raila Odinga came unaccompanied by his wife Ida.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, ANC chief Musalia Mudavadi, Ford Kenya boss Moses Wetang’ula, Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, Leader of Majority Aden Duale and Nairobi governor Mike Sonko were also present.
Other national leaders present at Nyayo Stadium for the 55th Jamhuri Day celebrations include CJ @dkmaraga, Speakers of Senate & National Assembly, Nairobi Governor @MikeSonko as well as opposition leaders @RailaOdinga @skmusyoka @MusaliaMudavadi & @Wetangulam #MbelePamoja pic.twitter.com/zEx1cMkDkY
— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) December 12, 2018
Some of those who will be feted are DPP Noordin Haji, DCI boss George Kinoti, governors Hassan Joho ( Mombasa), Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga), and Jackson Mandago ( Uasin Gishu)