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Kenyans who attended Madaraka Day celebrations yesterday at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi, were treated to memorable shows by the military, which displayed its latest hardware on top of  ‘trooping of the colour’ —  a favourite of such holidays.

As the troops drove around showcasing all sorts of gear — tanks, armoured vehicles, specialised lorries, and carriers — those in attendance reached for their smartphones to capture the moments.

Initially, foul weather threatened to spoil the occasion. But by 9am, the gloomy skies eased to let the sun spray silver rays on the newly refurbished grounds that were once colonialists’ concentration camps.

Come 10am and the sun had successfully fought off the thick clouds. 

Various music bands kept the grounds warm, with a skit by the famous Vitimbi actors spelling out the rich repertoire of fun ahead. 

Before President Uhuru Kenyatta arrived, the participants savoured a rare sight airplanes, some of which operate local flights, descending onto the neighbouring Wilson Airport. It wasn’t clear why they were allowed to overfly the event that was teeming with thousands of Kenyans. But once the President arrived, the airspace was closed and the attendees focused fully on what had brought them to the event. 

The first dignitary to arrive was Kenya’s independence First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta, mother of the current Head of State. She has had the rare privilege of celebrating many Madaraka Days and other public holidays at the nation’s high table. She arrived at 10.16am.

 She was followed by Deputy President William Ruto, alongside his wife, to a low-key reception. Even the State House MC did not recognise his arrival. As Ruto waited to welcome the event’s Chief Guest, Sierra Leon President Julius Maada Bio, who arrived at 10.40am, he busied himself with his wife’s sash.  

The arrival of Azimio leader Raila Oding’a attracted cheerful chants from the crowd and his pictures were beamed on giant screens. 

Uhuru arrived at 11.15am, accompanied by First Lady Margaret. He enjoyed a slow drive around the field amid numerous salutations by members of the disciplined forces and wild cheers from the crowd. He heartily acknowledged these while atop a special-occasion Land Rover.

He then went to inspect a guard of honour, undisturbed by a humming little drone hovering over the attentive forces as it captured their every move. Then Uhuru joined other dignitaries.

Thereafter, he climbed to the podium and shook hands with his chief guest, President Bio, and local leaders Ruto, Raila, Kalonzo and Martha Karua, whose short  appearance on the big screens received loud cheers. She is Raila’s running mate in the August poll. 

The military showcased its prowess in a lengthy show, while Kenya Airforce pilots flew past the gardens employing tricks that attracted ecstatic appreciation.

By the time the booming Puma airplane flew past, with a hanging tag: ‘God Bless Kenya’, accompanied by two fighter planes, everyone was on their feet applauding. 

The entertainment was on another level. Teen sensation Trio Mio had a song dedicated to Uhuru. 

Once the President began his address, the audience was spellbound by a speech that could be Uhuru’s  last to commemorate a public fete.

Fifteen minutes into his address, a man dashed towards the dias, but was quickly wrestled down by security officers, who appeared to have been caught napping.