Deputy President
Kithure Kindiki has urged Kenyans to safeguard and build upon the freedom and
democratic gains secured by the founding heroes.
Speaking
during the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo Stadium on Friday, Kindiki
said that the country must now prioritise economic empowerment to match its
strong civil and political liberties.
“Therefore, going into the future, we will push for a country where all its citizens do not just enjoy the freedom of expression and freedom of the media.”
“They also enjoy freedom from hunger, freedom from
sickness and freedom from all the dangers that threaten human survival,
especially poverty and the other economic perils that endanger our
sustainability and survival,” he said.
The DP paid tribute to the country’s independence heroes
and reform champions who, over decades, laid the foundations for the freedoms
Kenyans enjoy today.
“This
generation will never fully pay the sacrifice and the debts of those who paid
the ultimate price and sacrifice for the independence of our country,” Kindiki
said.
“We would also
not pay the full debt imposed on us by those who fought for the expansion of
the civil and political liberties that we enjoy today.”
He said that Kenya’s political progress—from the struggle
for self-rule to the fight for expanded democratic space—was built on courage,
resilience and sacrifice.
Because of
that legacy, he said, the responsibility now lies with today’s leaders and
citizens to advance socioeconomic freedoms that ensure dignity, opportunity and
security for all.
“As we move
into the future of our country, we should build on the foundation of those who
fought for the freedom and liberty of our country,” he said.
“Building on
the hard work of those who fought for the expansion of civil and political
liberties that we enjoy today,” he added.
Kindiki
praised President William Ruto’s administration for what he described as an
effort to deepen national freedoms by focusing on inclusive development,
investment in social programmes and policies aimed at uplifting vulnerable
populations.
“We look
forward, under your leadership, Mr President, to firming up on the foundation
and hard work and expanding on the empowerment and the social and economic
liberty for the people of Kenya,” he said.
The DP said the next phase of the country’s nationhood
must go beyond preserving traditional rights such as freedom of expression and
freedom of the media.
He argued that
citizens must also be guaranteed “freedom from hunger, freedom from sickness,
and freedom from all the dangers that threaten human survival.”
He emphasised
that poverty, unemployment and economic instability remain significant barriers
to the realisation of true freedom.
Addressing
these challenges, he said, would be key to ensuring that the ideals fought for
by independence heroes continue to hold meaning in the lives of ordinary
Kenyans.
This year’s
Jamhuri Day celebrations, attended by thousands of Kenyans and dignitaries led
by President Ruto and his Ghanian counterpart John Mahama, were
themed Tourism, Wildlife, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and
Exhibitions.
President Ruto
led the nation in marking the day, calling on citizens to emulate the founding
fathers while remaining anchored in the values of justice, equality and responsibility.
Kindiki’s
address echoed that message, framing Kenya’s future as one that depends on both
safeguarding past gains and boldly confronting the socioeconomic challenges
that threaten national prosperity.
