Founding Father Mzee Jomo Kenyatta was jailed by the colonialists from 1952 to August 1961 because he believed in a free Kenya, a just nation where its people prospered and were independent.
During Jomo’s incarceration in Maralal in 1960, he had a house all to himself and Mama Ngina was allowed to stay with him. On October 26, 1961, Mama Ngina’s firstborn son Uhuru was born, and the nation rejoiced.
Just a Jomo fought for the independence and glory of our nation, and against tribalism, fear and those keen to destroy our peace, his son is faced with the same arduous task 56 years later.
In as much as it is Uhuru’s birthday today, this is our chance to fight against the ills in our country, and to vote for five more years of transformation.
Uhuru has been made to spend his birthday queuing to vote and monitoring an electoral process that was completed in August. It is not in doubt that the Jubilee leader won the August 8 election and we were forced into a repeat based on technicalities.
As his main opponent, Raila Odinga, who has declared he is no longer interested in the race, held one press conference after another, Uhuru spent his time traversing the country.
As NASA, led by Raila, were involved in destructive behaviour in the name of calling for electoral reforms, Uhuru was out there reminding Kenyans of unity and the transformative path the country took in 2013.
Let’s all come out in large numbers to wish President Kenyatta happy birthday by voting him in decisively. Vote in a manner that will send a message to his critics and the entire globe that he is the best leader Kenya has ever had and one who has the interest of the nation at heart.
As we queue to vote, let us remember that Uhuru has expanded access to electricity. His government has helped improve healthcare, roads and put in place a clear plan for all primary school pupils to get a high school education.
He has ensured we have a new and faster railway system.
The expansion of the standard gauge railway to Naivasha has been on course, despite the political uncertainties. It is not just the movement of people that has become faster but also that of cargo, enhancing business.
Uhuru has made sure Kenya continues to expand its road infrastructure, increasing the movement of goods and people, including in opposition zones.
Instead of putting the country in an unending political quagmire, Uhuru has continued to preach unity and cohesion. His deeds have seen people move from the opposition and join Jubilee.
While the opposition has been busy politicking, Uhuru made sure Kenyans hit by drought were taken care of. He never stopped working, even with the campaigns that he needed to do in the little time given by the court.
Uhuru chaired the Cabinet and ensured the country had a supplementary budget to cater for the immediate needs of Kenyans, including the forced repeat election. All this, because he cares for this country, its development and the empowerment of all residents.
So, doesn’t this man deserve a great birthday gift today? Doesn’t he deserve an overwhelming win that will give him the legitimacy to continue transforming the country?
Let us say a huge happy birthday to Uhuru by overwhelmingly supporting him at the ballot.
The writer is a political and communications consultant
@MachelWaikenda