President Uhuru Kenyatta’s latest Madaraka Day celebrations were decked out by the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) who deployed unrivaled artillery and staged an air show as he led the nations in celebrating 59 years of self-reliance.
At the event held at Uhuru Gardens in Lang’ata, Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada was the chief guest and was accompanied by his wife.
It was Madaraka’s first day in person since the pandemic began in early 2020.
President Uhuru Kenyatta during Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1, 2022
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Also present at the event were First Lady Margaret Kenyatta and Founding First Lady of Kenya, Mama Ngina Kenyatta.
First Lady Margaret Kenyatta arriving at Uhuru Gardens for Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1, 2022.
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Other leaders present include Vice President William Ruto, Mama Racheal Ruto, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Narc Kenya Party leader Martha Karua, Chief Justice Martha Koome, among other dignitaries.
From LEFT: Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua, Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Mama Ida Odinga at Uhuru Gardens for Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1, 2022.
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President Uhuru Kenyatta leading the Madaraka Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens on June 1, 2022.
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Being the latest national Uhuru celebrations, the Kenya Defense Force (KDF) paid tribute to the fashionable Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, even displaying some of their heavy combat gear that had never been seen in public before.
Talk to Citizen television on Tuesday, May 31, Principal Home Secretary Karanja Kibicho said the whole event was estimated at Kshs 60-70 million. He explained that the military would hold a show to honor the outgoing president as a sign of gratitude and respect.
Military vehicles on display during Madaraka Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens on June 1, 2022.
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Military vehicles displayed by KDF officers during Madaraka Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens on June 1, 2022.
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Uhuru also took the time to detail the achievements of his administration, citing the importance of Uhuru Gardens in Kenya’s fight for independence. The gardens have been rehabilitated by Uhuru in recent years with a museum launched yesterday by the Head of State.
A section of TSTIME seated at Uhuru Gardens for Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1, 2022.
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During the event which was attended by over 30,000 TSTIME, the bromance between the handshake brothers unfolded as the President was received by Raila Odinga before entering the room.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga receives President Uhuru Kenyatta at Uhuru Gardens for Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1, 2022.
Raila Odinga
Despite the politics that took center stage during Uhuru’s speech, there were lighthearted moments during the event. Ruto was pictured helping mum Rachel Ruto make her ribbon after struggling with it for some time.
Vice President William Ruto helping Mama Racheal Ruto put on her ribbon during Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1, 2022.
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First Lady Margaret Kenyatta and Vice President William Ruto during Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1, 2022.
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