For the first time in the history of the country, the ceremony will not be presided over by a sitting president who ironically happens to be the son of the first president/FILE
Deputy President William Ruto will lead the nation in commemorating the occasion by laying a wreath at the mausoleum of the late President at Parliament Buildings.
For the first time in the history of the country, the ceremony will not be presided over by a sitting president who ironically happens to be the son of the first president.
President Uhuru Kenyatta is on an official tour to China.
The Deputy President is set to arrive at the Mausoleum at 10am and after laying a wreath he will proceed to the Holy Family Minor Basilica, where he will join the family of the late President and members of the Public for the memorial service that will begin at 10.30am.
Former President’s Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki presided over the commemoration religiously for the periods they were in office.
Kenyatta died on August 22 1978 at 3.30 am in Mombasa at the age of 89 years, while on a working holiday.
Some of things the first president is remembered of are; on October 28, 1961, Kenyatta became the President of the Kenya African National Union(KANU) and a month later he headed a KANU delegation to London for talks to prepare the way for the Lancaster House Conference.
On June 1, 1963, Mzee Kenyatta became the first Prime Minister of self-governing Kenya.
At midnight on December 12, 1963, at Uhuru Stadium, amid world leaders and multitudes of people, a new nation was born and a year later, on December 12, 1964, Kenya became a republic with Kenyatta as the President.
He was also among the six freedom fighters famously known as Kapenguria Six together with the late Fred Kubai, Kung’u Karumba, Bildad Kaggia, Ochieng Oneko and Paul Ngei.
In 1974, he declared free primary education up to primary grade 4. He is also remembered for urging Kenyans to preserve their culture and heritage.
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