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Here is what you need to know to get up to speed with today’s happenings.

Jamhuri Day Celebrations

President William Ruto and his Deputy Kithure Kindiki are expected to preside over the country’s 60th Jamhuri Day National Celebrations on Thursday, December 12, 2024.

The celebrations will be held at Uhuru Gardens Monument and Museum in Nairobi.

Jamhuri Day, celebrated on December 12 every year, marks the day Kenya became a republic following the country’s independence from British colonial rule.

On this day, Kenya also celebrates the adoption of its first constitution, which gave the country its full self-governance.

Ahead of the celebrations, Nairobi Regional Police Commander Adamson Bungei on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, assured Kenyans that the police will be on the radar and ensure they provide security.

Bungei announced that the gates of the venue would be opened at 6 a.m.

“We are putting all our measures and all the parameters having done the roadmap to ensure that during this time and period of the celebrations and festive, we take charge of the security,” Bungei stated.

As part of the celebrations, President William Ruto is expected to announce a raft of measures and policies that would steer the country forward and accelerate development in 2025.

As we gear up for tomorrow's Jamhuri Day celebrations, I led the National Celebrations Steering Committee through the final rehearsal and inspection tour at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi.

Join us tomorrow as we mark 60 years of independence and celebrate our shared aspirations! pic.twitter.com/v3OXyGzfdP

— Dr. Raymond Omollo — CBS (@ray_omollo) December 11, 2024

Raila’s final preparation ahead of debate

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is expected to finalise preparations ahead of the much-anticipated debate for candidates interested in the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship position.

Raila is expected to fully familiarise himself with various issues that will likely be brought to his attention during the debate slated for Friday, December 13, 2024.

The debate will be moderated by Anita Erskine from Erskine Global Communications and Fatima Charef, a media and communications expert.

Raila who has so far received public endorsement from several heads of state will square it out with Richard Mahitsison Randriamandrato and Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.

To set the pace of the debate, the African Union on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, urged the people to submit their questions through the comment section.

“Do you have any questions you want the candidates vying for the position of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission to address? Share your questions in the comment section indicating your names and which country you will be watching the debate from,” the AU stated.

🎙️𝐀𝐬𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬- 𝐌𝐣𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐥𝐚 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐤𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐞.

Do you have any questions you want the candidates vying for position of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission to address?

𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞… pic.twitter.com/JqDXcjEwFP

— African Union (@_AfricanUnion) December 11, 2024

Reactions to Firat’s resignation

Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat resigned just weeks after the national team failed to qualify for the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.

New Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed confirmed Firat’s departure on Tuesday, December 11, 2024 during a press conference at Kandanda House in Kasarani.

“I’d like to point out that the national team coach terminated his contract through a notice that was issued at the beginning of this week. We will be looking at the way forward once we have internal consultations with the technical team and secretariat at the Federation,” he said.

Kenyans are expected to continue sharing their reaction following the exit of the Turkish gaffer whose tenure was marred with controversies.

Under Firat’s guidance, Harambee Stars was also lacklustre leading to elimination from the continental tournament.