On this day in 2016, Kenya marked its 53rd Madaraka Day with a historic shift in tradition. For the first time since independence, the national celebrations moved outside the capital, Nairobi, to Afraha Stadium in Nakuru County. President Uhuru Kenyatta led the nation in honouring the 1963 milestone of attaining internal self-rule from British colonial […]
On this day in 2016, Kenya marked its 53rd Madaraka Day with a historic shift in tradition. For the first time since independence, the national celebrations moved outside the capital, Nairobi, to Afraha Stadium in Nakuru County. President Uhuru Kenyatta led the nation in honouring the 1963 milestone of attaining internal self-rule from British colonial power. While the official ceremony focused on devolution and national unity, the day was also defined by political tension, as opposition leaders held a massive parallel rally at Uhuru Park. This day cemented the “rotation policy” for national holidays, bringing the presidency closer to the people.