Opposition Figures Skip Madaraka Day Celebrations

Opposition figures led by Azimio party leader Raila Odinga have skipped this year’s Madaraka Day national celebration at Moi Stadium in Embu. 

On October 20th 2022, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka was the only opposition leader present for the Mashujaa Day celebrations in Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi. Prior to the celebration, Mr Odinga had left for India on October 16th 2022. This is not an unprecedented occurrence as opposition leaders have previously missed similar national events on grounds of differing with the ruling party.

Raila was absent from the Jamhuri Day festivities on December 12, 2022, due to a trip to the USA. President William Ruto will be overseeing the 60th Madaraka Day observance, his third time leading the nation in marking National Day celebrations since assuming office on September 13, 2022.

Meanwhile, the President of Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan, is among the distinguished figures from abroad present for this year’s Madaraka Day festivities. The former President of Niger Mahamadou Issoufou was earlier welcomed by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his wife Pastor Dorcus Gachagua. Comoros President Azali Assoumani is also in attendance. 

At least 10,000 people are gathered in Embu County to commemorate Kenya’s 60th Madaraka Day celebrations. As early as 4 o’clock in the morning, people began to arrive at Moi Stadium and were allowed to take their seats ahead of the celebrations.