Kenya marks 58 years of self-rule
Madakara Day loosely translated from Swahili means “self-government,” and this year’s celebration marks 58 years since the East African country attained internal self rule.
CAPE TOWN, June 1 (ANA) – Kenya’s 58th Madakara Day celebrations are underway, with the main commemoration in Kisumu county for the first time.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in the county on the banks of Lake Victoria, as celebrations kicked off on Tuesday, State House Kenya said in a statement.
Loosely translated from Swahili, Madakara means “self-government,” and this year’s celebration marks 58 years since the East African country attained internal self rule after being a British colony since 1920.
A number of dignitaries from Kenya and abroad were in attendance, including Supreme Court Judge William Ouko, Chief Justice Martha Koome as well as Burundian president Evariste Ndayishimiye and First Lady Angeline Ndayubaha Ndayishimiye, in Kenya on a two-day state visit.
With the two countries strengthening ties through multiple agreements, a troupe of Burundian drummers, draped in their country’s colours, entertained the crowd alongside other singers and dancers.
The Kenyan Defense Force flew into the stadium as a part of the celebrations, according to Nation Africa.
In a Twitter post, director-general of the Kenyan Wildlife Service Brigadier General John Waweru urged compatriots to mark the day by visiting the country’s national parks, but reminded them to follow Covid-19 protocols set out by the health ministry.
According to official data, Kenya has recorded 170,647 confirmed cases of Covid-19 to date, 3,157 of them resulting in death. Some 969,561 vaccine doses against the virus have been administered as of May 31.
– African News Agency, Editing by Stella Mapenzauswa