What do we really celebrate on Jamhuri Day?

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For most of us, Jamhuri Day and other public holidays are just another reason for us to stay home and escape from work right? Jamhuri Day in a way ushers in the Christmas season as most people look forward to the festivities. Before we all wish each other a happy Jamhuri Day, do you really know what the day is all about?

 

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Jamhuri Day is a Kenyan national holiday celebrated every year on the 12th December. Jamhuri is Swahili for Republic and as such Jamhuri Day is also known as Republic Day or Independence Day.

It is a public holiday that marks two events; it celebrates Kenya becoming a republic on 12 December 1964.

Kenya became an independent republic after gaining full self-governance from the United Kingdom on 1st June 1963. Jamhuri Day is regarded as Kenya’s most important day, marked by numerous festivities which celebrate the country’s cultural heritage and looks back at her journey to independence and self-governance.

 

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The first colonists from Europe to have a presence in Kenya were German, but in 1890, the region came under control of the Imperial British East Africa Company and Kenya was part of the British East Africa protectorate until it became a British crown colony in 1920.

Disputes over land were common, leading to the Mau Mau rebellion in 1952, which effectively put Kenya into a state of emergency for seven years. The first direct elections took place in 1957, with the Kenya African National Union led by Jomo Kenyatta forming the first government.

 

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Kenya gained her independence on 12 December 1963 and was admitted into the Commonwealth as a republic exactly one year later, with Jomo Kenyatta becoming the country’s first President.

 

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Jamhuri Day is one of Kenya’s most important holidays due to its historical significance. The day is celebrated with many events such as feasts, political speeches and parades, all of which celebrate the country’s cultural heritage.

As is the custom, the ceremony begins at 11:30 after the President takes the national salute and inspects the parade. The band plays a slow march followed with a quick march the lone drummer then breaks away to take his position beside number one guard to play the drummers call, signalling the officers of No.1 Guard to take positions to receive the colour.

 

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The escort for the colour then marches off to collect the colour as the massed Kenya Defense Forces band plays the chosen Kenyan tune. After the hand over and as the Escort presents arms, the first verse of the Kenya national anthem is played, then the escort to the colour marches off in a slow march to the tune of the British grenadier guards.

The first tune normally played during the march is always ‘By land and sea’.

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