Kenyan leaders share different messages for Madaraka Day celebrations

Madaraka Day is a key day in the Kenyan calendar, which is annually celebrated on June 1 to commemorate the day in 1963 when the country attained internal self-rule from British colonial powers.
This celebration symbolises the aspirations and sacrifices made by the country’s forefathers to break loose from the chains of colonialism.
While Madaraka Day celebrates internal self-rule, Kenya achieved full independence and became a republic on December 12, 1964, a day celebrated as Jamhuri Day.
This year’s celebrations will be staged in Homa Bay County in the newly commissioned Raila Odinga Stadium. The event themed ‘Harnessing Kenya’s Blue Economy for Sustainable Growth’ is expected to be observed with theme and colour led by President William Ruto and Slovenian President Pirc Musar, who is on a historic state visit to Kenya as the guest of honour.

Messages
Ahead of the 62nd celebrations, various leaders have shared their messages on how they wish Madaraka Day to be celebrated.
Taking to his social media pages, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said, “We owe those who fought for the political freedom of Kenya the fight for its economic freedom.”
Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, came with a rallying call to build a united nation in honour of the sacrifices made by the men and women who laid the foundation for the nation’s self-governance.
“May we honour their legacy by building a Kenya that is just, united, and prosperous for all. Let us continue to rise, rebuild, and reimagine our future with purpose and pride,” Wetang’ula stated.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, on his part, stated that the national celebration offered another opportunity to the country to ensure every Kenyan has access to quality healthcare as envisioned by the country’s forefathers.
“This Madaraka Day, we celebrate our collective journey towards a healthier nation. We remain steadfast in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and ensuring that every Kenyan can access quality and affordable healthcare.”
Eldas Member of Parliament Adan Keynan chose to celebrate the country’s milestones since independence, insisting that it was a testament to progress.
“Today, as Kenya marks 62 years since attaining internal self-rule, we honour a profound journey of resilience, sovereignty, and nation-building, an enduring testament to the vision and sacrifice of our forebears who ignited the flame of self-determination.
“From the threshold of Madaraka in 1963 to the dynamic republic we are today, this milestone reflects not only our triumphs over adversity but also our unwavering pursuit of inclusive progress, democratic ideals and generational transformation,” the MP wrote.
Former MP Kimani Ngunjiri called on the preservation of human dignity and protection of freedoms, a statement which is expected to be echoed by various opposition leaders during the Madaraka Day celebrations.
“Let us continue together in the noble task of promoting social and economic change, defending our rightful heritage, and always being ready to extend goodwill to others. Time has proved that the preservation of human dignity in freedom creates and preserves peace, stability, and unity.”
Other leaders are expected to share their messages in marking Madaraka Day.