Jubilant crowds had turned up at the Uhuru Gardens for Kenya’s jubilee fete. Photo/ MIKE KARIUKI
NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 12 – Deputy President William Ruto says that he is optimistic that Kenya will move to the next level in the next 50 years.
Speaking at the Kenya@50 celebrations on Wednesday night at Uhuru Gardens, Ruto said that the celebrations cemented a new foundation for another 50 years that will see the country move to the next level.
Ruto urged Kenyans to work hard in building the country, pointing out that they should not let down the nation and fellow citizens who have made the country a great nation in the last 50 years.
“I am persuaded that we must not, we will not, we shall not and we should not let our country and our countrymen down,” he said.
He said the occasion marked yet another milestone for the country that is on the right track.
“It’s a great morning for all Kenyans today. Marking another history at this place, at this time… 50 years ago the flag that made our country a nation was raised here by the first President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.
The hoisting of the flag was among scheduled celebrations to mark the country’s 50 years of independence.
Other activities included a black-tie Governor’s Ball that took place on Wednesday evening at the Kenya International Conference Centre (KICC).
The official celebration will be held on Thursday at the Safaricom Kasarani Stadium with about 15 Heads of States expected to attend.
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The presidents of Nigeria, Malawi, Sri Lanka and Uganda had arrived by 7pm on Wednesday.
The leaders of Eritrea, Burundi, Botswana, South Sudan and Tanzania are also in Kenya.
The latest to arrive was the president of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa.
The plane carrying the President and First lady Shiranthi touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Wednesday shortly before 7pm and was received by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
President Rajapaksa is also on a five-day state visit in the country.
During the visit, the Sri Lankan President will hold bilateral talks with President Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi and lay a wreath at the mausoleum of the founding father Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.
He will also visit the United Nations offices in Nairobi and address Sri Lankan Diaspora in Kenya.
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