- Screens were placed at strategic positions for the public to follow the days activities.
- Food stuff as well as political merchandise were not allowed and those who had them were forced remove them at the entrance.
Image: ENOS TECHE
It was a rare show of Kenya's military might during President Uhuru Kenyatta's last Madaraka Day celebrations as the head of state at the Uhuru Gardens.
There was pomp and colour at the fete that had over 30,000 Kenyans seated at the gardens.
Being the Commander-In-Chief's last national celebrations before he retires in August, the Kenya Defence Forces went all out in a colourful and powerful display of Kenya's military artillery and vehicles to accompany the usual KDF parade.
President Uhuru Kenyatta first made his way into the newly commemorated gardens at 11:11am where he proceeded and entered his ceremonial open Land Rover.
He waved to the ecstatic crowds who cheered him and waved miniature Kenyan flags as he went around the arena for the last time under his presidency.
Uhuru then inspected his last guard of honour which lasted for about 10 minutes where he walked majestically passing the military.
From the upper dais where guests sat, the head of state while standing, watched the Kenya Defence Forces comprising of the Kenya Army, Kenya Air force and Kenya Navy match around the arena.
This was the last time the defence forces were saluting their Commander In Chief, Uhuru, whose presidency lapses in August.
The KDF units displayed Artillery brigade which are dedicated to providing artillery support to infantry and mechanised units in the army.
They include Kenya Army Corp of Signals whose work is to ensure commanders communicate safely and facilitate operation, and the Engineers Brigade who create roads and bridges in battle zones.
Others were the Armoured battle tanks, armoured personnel carriers ,81 Millometer mortars, Field Artillery gun, medium girder to Explosive Ordnance Disposal armoured vehicle which made their way round the arena as the President watched.
What followed was the fighter jets which thrilled the crowds by their unique sky formations.
The Air Force pilots put up a spectacular air show for almost five minutes, pulling off a series of incredible stunts.
Uhuru’s affection towards the military has always been in the public’s eye as he placed certain government parastatals like Kenya Meat Commission under its leadership.
“Many have criticised my choice of using military for development and I say here today that I have no regrets,” he said.
Uhuru Garden was full to capacity, as people from all walks of life made their way to the venue to witness the occasion as early as 6am.
The garden which was officially commemorated by President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday consists of a museum, arena, shopping complex, a business complex, a convention centre and a hotel.
Security was uptight both outside and within the area with the National Youth Services and National Police patrolling.
Members of the public were frisked and searched and only allowed to enter the arena if one had a face mask.
Food stuff as well as political merchandise were not allowed and those who had them were forced remove them at the entrance.
With the ban of food in the garden, traders took advantage and sold edibles just outside the public entrance of the garden.
Hot beverages were sold to Kenyans who travelled from across different parts of the country to brave the morning cold, water and sweets to attract children who were in attendance.
Once they entered, the National Youth Services guided where to seat according to the counties they came from.
Young to elderly, plastic chairs were available for everyone in the arena with those preferring to sit on the newly planted green grass allowed to do so.
Screens were placed at strategic positions for the public to follow the day's activities.
Kenya’s First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta, Seira Leone’s head of state Julius Maado Bio were among the dignitaries present at the fete.
Also Deputy President William Ruto, Cabinet Secretaries, Governors, Senators and other political officials were also in attendance among other invited guests.
Before the President’s speech, Kenyans were entertained with a great set of performances ranging from traditional dances, choral music to contemporary music and Gengetone sound.
The songs played represented all tribes of Kenya as a symbol of unity.
Musicians Iyanii, Trio Mio, Femi One, Masauti and Jovial were among those who performed.
Some drama was however witnessed as a man attempted to run towards the dais to give Uhuru a written letter as he was reading his final speech.
No sooner had he jumped the fence than the unknown man was carried away by policemen from the public’s eyes.
After the celebrations, the moment came for the public to take photographs in the newly commissioned garden.
Despite places within the garden not open to the public like the Mashujaa Museum, people took pictures of the monuments and newly stationed structures within the garden.