Former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama (1st left) Chief of Defence Forces General Samson Mwathethe (2nd left), President Kenyatta (centre), First Lady Margaret (2nd right) and Deputy William Ruto (1st right) during the 2017 Jamhuri Day celebrations/FILE – PSCU
NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 12 – President Uhuru Kentatta will Thursday lead national celebrations to commemorate fifty-six years since Kenya became a republic.
Kenya was granted self-governance by the British colonial regime on December 12, 1963 in what is now known as Jamhuri Day, a year before the country gained independence with founding leader Mzee Jomo Kenyatta as Head of State.
During this year’s fete to be marked at Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium, visiting Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley will deliver a special message as the designated special guest.
The event will also feature military parades by the three divisions of the Kenya Defence Forces – the army, navy and air force.
High ranking government officials including Deputy President William Ruto will accompany President Kenyatta to the national event at Nyayo and thereafter a State reception.
The event will also be graced by special envoys and foreign diplomats stationed in Nairobi.
Surinamese Foreign Minister Pollack Beighle will represent the South American nation as special envoy.
