JAMHURI DAY CELEBRATIONS

By Sheila Ngigi

Beats of the police rendition were heard all over Isinya town once again as the men and women, in their dazzling uniform, marched towards Isinya Boys Secondary School. This was to mark the 49^th Jamhuri Day, since President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta took over the instruments of State from the jaded colonial administration.

While the president and others were at Nyayo Stadium, here at Isinya, the day  was marked with pomp and colour at the Isinya Boys Secondary school. The function was officiated by the District Commissioner, Isinya and other government officials, including; the District Officers, OCPD Isinya, OCS, Chiefs, and sub-chiefs. Also present were district heads of all sectors; IEBC, education, health, development, agriculture, water and irrigation services, cooperatives among others. Isinya residents had come out in large numbers to witness and celebrate the 49^th year since their beloved country became a republic. Men and women, old and young alike left their jobs and businesses, spared a few hours to listen to their leaders. They braved the scorching sun and its accompanying thirst for the love of Kenya, patriotism.

Mr. Nderitu, DO1 Isinya,,Master of Ceremony 

Aspiring candidates contesting for the various political positions were also not left out but recognized the function as a platform to preach peace, campaign and push for their. They urged Isinya residents to register as voters in large numbers as it was their right to vote. Candidates urged them to vote wisely for development minded leaders, and not along tribal lines.

Mr. Leir,  a focal group member and aspiring councillor

Government officials painstakingly gave details of what their offices were doing to ensure Isinya residents were well. Water has been a major problem affecting this community and the officer in charge of water promised to look into it and gave account of grants that the government has given to drill boreholes and lay pipes for water installation. 

"Though we have had the challenge of inadequate water as a district, serikali imejitolea kwendelea kuitataua shida hii kila uchao. (the government is committed to solving this issue)".

Mr. Ntayia, another aspiring candidate

 Insecurity in Majengo area of Isinya has been on the increase lately. The OCPD Isinya promised to increase the number of patrols in the area to boost security. “Please cooperate with the police by reporting suspicious elements because these criminals live amongst you,” he urged the residents. 












Kajiado East Constituency IEBC coordinator, Ms. Jennifer, urged the residents to register as voters as deadline looms and to maintain peace throughout the campaign and election period.

She gave shocking statistics that with only 7 days to go, less than half of Kajiado County had not yet registered as voters. She urged residents to do so before it was too late. 

Ms. Jennifer addressing the gathering

The District Commissioner, Mr. Hassan Bule, clad in his majestic official attire looked his best. After taking the podium and greeting the gathering, the DC set out to deliver the President’s speech in Kiswahili. *I must say, all were awed by his mastery of the national language*.

Mr. Hassan Bule, DC Isinya reading the President's speech

In his speech, he enumerated the country’s various development achievements in the last 10 years which, he said, have laid the foundation for the economic, social and political transformation of the country. In this regard, he urged Kenyans to take advantage of the remaining time and register as voters in order to elect leaders the country requires to move forward. 

"Registering to vote will enable you to carry out your civic duty of electing your leaders. You will also be choosing the policies by which you will be governed. Thus, registering to vote will enable you to participate in strengthening our democracy”.

 He exhorted Kenyans to respect the rule of law which is the foundation of the current and future developments even as they enjoyed the freedoms of speech and association enshrined in the Constitution. He also called upon the residents to promote peace and unity. “We should be free to disagree and hold divergent opinions but as we do so, we must remain both peaceful and united”, he said.

The DC’s final remarks resounded the president’s speech, he said, “It is better to sweat while keeping peace than to be bleeding in war. Let us keep peace and shun those who try to divide us along ethnic lines.”

And we were not disappointed… there was a soda and a plateful of meat, pilau and vegetables for all present! It was a surely a beautiful Jamhuri day.