Pomp and colour at Uhuru’s last historic Madaraka fete

Pomp and flamboyance marked the 59th Madaraka Day celebrations, which are being held in Nairobi at the newly commissioned Uhuru Gardens for the first time.

From as early as 6am when the garden’s gates were opened, Kenyans from all walks of life made their way to the venue to witness the occasion.

The occasion is considered to be special as it will be President Uhuru Kenyatta’s last national celebrations while in office.

At the dais, Standard newspapers had been placed on the seats which were also painted green, red, black and white representing the colours of Kenyan flag.

Preparations for the event had meticulously been done, with Interior PS Kibicho Karanja having conducted several inspections at the venue that is set to host 30,000 people.

Members of the public eager for the celebrations started arriving at the wee hours with some accompanied by their children.

Outside the garden, traders took advantage and sold different items from face masks to food stuff.

Hot tea and coffee was sold to Kenyans who travelled across different parts of the country to join in the historic celebrations.

Security was tight as the military, lined outside surrounding the gardens.

Military tanks were paraded outside which would later be driven inside the arena.

At the entrance, members of the public were frisked and searched with no persons allowed to access the gardens with food or water.

Inside the gardens, the public were guided where to seat according to the counties they came from.

Screens were placed at strategic positions for the public to follow the days activities .

The Kenyan flag and Nairobi county flag were raised across poles which were surrounding the garden.

School Children were seated at the right side of the dais were carrying small Kenyan flags, waving them as they get entertained.

Red cross staff were also stationed at various places within the garden , ready to offer services incase of health emergencies.

At the dais where the President and other guests are meant to seat had white, green, red and black decorations representing the Colours of the Kenyan flag.

Wreath of white and red flowers were placed at the floor of the dais and on the sides of the red carpet where Uhuru is expected to walk.

The police conducted their rehearsal matching around the field within the garden .