Security beefed up at Madaraka Day celebrations

Security was beefed up during the Madaraka Day National Celebrations held in Wajir County. 

Several armoured vehicles with equipment capable of detecting missiles and bombs were packed at strategic positions around the stadium.

The National Celebrations kicked off at 7 am with the gates opened as early as 4 am, with President William Ruto and First Lady arriving at exactly 8.30 am with a round of applause from those present. 

A contingent of security officers conducted checks on thousands of members of the public who turned up to witness the historic event in Northern Kenya.  

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, accompanied by his wife, Dr Joyce Kithure, arrived for the celebrations at 8.20 am.  

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi arrived for the celebrations at 8.15 am.  

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, among others, arrived shortly after 8 am in readiness for the celebrations that were expected to be completed by noon.  

"I would like to assure all those who have turned up for Madaraka Day National Celebrations in Wajir of their safety since the government has put in place all the necessary security measures, " said Murkomen.  

President Ruto, in a skip from tradition, wore a cream Kaunda Suit for the ceremony to fit into the hot weather in Wajir Town.  

A combined contingent of the Kenya Army, Kenya Air Force and Kenya Navy carried out a colourful parade entertaining thousands of guests present.  

Kenya Air Force fighter plane pilots displayed their skills in protecting the country from external aggression to the amazement of those present.  

Maroon Commandos Music Band belted popular Swahili Songs to keep the crowd entertained as early as 7 AM as they waited for the kick off of the official ceremony.  

Primary School Children from various schools in Wajir County dressed in white entertained guests with several patriotic songs.  

The school children arranged in formations displaying the words Madaraka Day and Elimu, which was the theme of this year's ceremony. 

Hershim El Moge, a lawyer, said that the holding of the ceremony in Wajir was historic and sentimental to the area residents, who appreciated what the government was doing for them.  

" The President has apologised on behalf of the government over the marginalisation by the previous administrations for the last 60 years; that is a kind gesture from him to show that the government is concerned about our wellbeing, " said El Moge.  

Sumane Abdullahi said that the residents of Northern Kenya, for the first time, feel part of Kenya following the infrastructural development being conducted in the area.  

Abdullahi said that for a very long time, they felt discriminated against, making some of them feel like it was fairer to be part of Somalia than Kenya, where they were not being treated well.  

"What the government is doing for Northern Kenya at the moment should have been done many Years ago, but we appreciate what is being done now, to rectify the atrocities committed against us, " said Abdullahi.  

Shamim Hussein, a businesswoman in Wajir Town, said the lack of health facilities and accessibility to clean water has been a challenge to the area residents for a long time.  

Shamim said that if the government ensures that the region has a sufficient supply of electricity, enough medical facilities and accessibility to clean water, they would be very grateful.  

"For very many years, our people have been travelling for a long distance to get some water and medical care. If the government ensures that residents of Northern Kenya have access to them easily, we would be very grateful," said Shamim.