Kenya marks its 55th Jamhuri day celebration in pomp and colour

Jamhuri is the Swahili word for "republic" and the holiday is meant to officially mark the date when Kenya became an independent republic which happened on 12th December 1964.
Clad in a red military tunic, President Uhuru Kenyatta led the celebrations held at Nyayo National Stadium.

On Wednesday, Kenya marked its 55th Jamhuri anniversary celebration in pomp and colour.

Jamhuri Day is a national holiday in Kenya, celebrated on 12 December each year. Jamhuri is the Swahili word for "republic" and the holiday is meant to officially mark the date when Kenya became an independent republic which happened on 12th December 1964.

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When he rose to speak after inspecting a guard of Honor President Kenyatta called upon the Judiciary not to protect impunity in the fight against corruption by granting “ridiculous" bail terms to corruption suspects.

“Kenyan spirits are dampened when we witness suspects released on ridiculously low bail terms, interference in legislative processes and the use of the court process to delay justice,” said the President.

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He added that the judiciary need to be wary of being misused to protect impunity and to curtail the work of investigative agencies.

“These individuals deserve fair trials but nothing more. I am again calling for the Judiciary to ensure that its procedures are not used to protect impunity,”

The red tunic is a ceremonial military dressing that the Commander in Chief wears during National celebrations.

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Nyayo Stadium which is named after Kenya’s second president Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi who is credited to making the phrase popular.

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After he succeeded Kenya’s first President, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta in 1978 following his death, Moi vowed he would follow Nyayo (footsteps) of Kenyatta in governing the country.

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Several high-profile dignitaries graced the event including Deputy President William Ruto, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, former First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta and African Union special envoy Raila Odinga who is the son of Kenya’s first Vice President Oginga Odinga.

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Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi and Ford-Kenya party leader Moses Wetangula were also in attendance.

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The celebrations also marked the trooping of colours for the 17th Battalion, Kenya Rifles which included the presentation of Presidential and Regimental colours (flags) to the Battalion.