Uhuru takes action after embarrassing empty stadium on Jamhuri Day

dennis kibet

December 14, 2017 8:27 AM

The Jamhuri Day celebrations were marked with an uncharacteristic low attendance as thousands of seats remained empty.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has taken action after the embarrassing Kasarani Stadium incident during the Jamhuri Day celebrations on Tuesday.

The fete was marked with an uncharacteristic low attendance as thousands of seats remained empty in the 60,000-seater stadium.

The event failed to start at the scheduled time of 10am as the organisers waited for people to attend.

President Kenyatta is said to have now demanded an explanation from the organisers of national celebrations after the poor attendance which was mocked by many Kenyans on social media with the hashtag #EmptyKasarani.

According to The Nation, Jubilee legislators pointed an accusing finger at the Interior Affairs Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho for failing to have his team mobilise Kenyans to turn out at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

However, the ministry's spokesman Mwenda Njoka seemed to shift the blame to the Nairobi regional coordinator.

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko absolved himself from any blame and instead shifted the fault to the provincial administration when asked about the issue.

He said the county was not involved in the planning of the event as was the case in the Mashujaa Day celebrations which was well attended.

“Jamhuri Day is a national event and not a political one; hence, we cannot be involved since it is usually organised by the provincial administration - from the regional coordinators, county commissioners and chief,” he declared.

His sentiments were echoed by Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja, who said that city politicians were not involved in the preparations.

“As much as Jamhuri Day and other public holidays are State functions, it is advisable to involve and liaise with the political leadership of the city in coordination and mobilisation so as to avoid such poor attendance,” Sakaja said.

dennis kibet