Members of the public follows the proceedings during the Jamhuri Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi on December 12, 2024.
As Kenyans celebrated Jamhuri Day, it emerged that some regions are still grappling with challenges they faced under British colonial rule.
Sixty-one years after independence, the Coast region is still grappling with serious issues of poor infrastructure, disease and illiteracy.
While patriotic Kenyans brazed the heavy downpour to mark the annual event in Mombasa on Thursday, those in Lamu, Tana River, Taita Taveta and Kwale counties decide to give the event a wide berth.
Audience of empty chairs
The event was characterised by low turnout, with some county commissioners delivering President William Ruto’s speech to an audience of empty chairs.
In Mombasa at the Mwahima Stadium Grounds in Likoni sub-county, the celebrations ended up openly revealing the gap of lifestyle between leaders and ordinary citizens.
A flooded section of the Mwahima Stadium Grounds during the Jamhuri Day celebrations for Mombasa County on December 12, 2024.
Thanks to Mother Nature, the event also exposed the dire need of fully functioning stadiums in the county.
As leaders and government officials arrived in guzzlers four-wheel-drive vehicles to navigate the rain-soaked roads and flooded grounds, citizens were left to their own devices.
The morning heavy rains wreaked havoc for hours as some citizens waded through puddles of water at the stadium to gain entrance, while others resorted to creative means such as climbing ladders.
A group of children who were all set to be part of the entertainment team were among those who had to climb a ladder, over a perimeter wall and into the stadium.
Despite the hours of continuous rainfall throughout the morning, a sizable crowd had shown up for the event presided over by County Commissioner Mohamed Nur.
Others who attended the function were Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Likoni MP Mishi Mboko, some Mombasa Members of the County Assembly and National Government Administration Officers.
A man on a motorcycle braves heavy morning rains at Mwahima Stadium Grounds in Mombasa County during the Jamhuri Day celebrations on December 12, 2024.
Taking note of the sorry state of the stadium, Mr Nassir expressed plans to transform the stadium into a world-class facility capable of hosting Fifa games.
"This stadium will be upgraded to meet Fifa standards. We want our youth to have a space that inspires their dreams," he stated.
So far Mombasa has no fully functional stadium except the Mbaraki Sports Club which is owned by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).
The soggy weather conditions gave the event a subdued atmosphere but did little to dampen the residents' patriotic spirit.
At one point, the heavy downpour briefly halted the guard of honour exercise, forcing officers to take cover. The march resumed only after the rain subsided.
The coastal city has faced a week of persistent rainfall, leading to flooding in various areas, including the Likoni-Lungalunga Highway and major arteries such as Moi Avenue, Abdelnasser Avenue, and Nyerere Road.
The Nyali suburb, too, has been significantly affected, with residents struggling to navigate some of the flooded streets.
Mr Nur was compelled to speed through President Ruto's speech before the skies opened again.
In Kwale County, a majority of the seats remained empty as residents gave the Jamhuri Day celebrations a wide berth.
The seating arrangement at Ukunda Showground in Diani had to be altered for locals to sit closer to the dais.
Jamhuri Day celebrations at Ukunda Showground in Kwale County on December 12, 2024 was marked by a low turnout.
County Commissioner Steven Orinde, Governor Fatuma Achani and the area ward's MCA were among the leaders who did not attend the event.
The event was led by Msambweni Deputy County Commissioner Josephat Mutisya and Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo who spoke on the importance of peaceful coexistence in the county.
"Normally, people are transported on buses from each sub county, are paid and transported back to their homes after the celebrations. But this is not the case today. People could also be tired," said one of the residents.
Shouted down
The speech by deputy government spokesperson Mwanaisha Chidzuga was cut short when one of the locals shouted that she was lying.
Ms Chidzuga was talking about how locals will have access to foreign jobs such as cleaning and security abroad under the ongoing foreign jobs plan by the national government.
She also spoke about how women should register for the Social Health Authority and get free medical services in hospitals.
A similar turnout was witnessed in Taita Taveta County during the event at Moi Stadium in Voi.
County Commissioner Josephine Onunga and Deputy Governor Christine Kilalo led the celebrations, emphasising their administration's achievements.
Members of the public follow proceedings during Jamhuri Day celebrations at Dedan Kimathi Grounds in Nyeri town on December 12, 2024.
In Lamu, the event at Lake Kenyatta Primary School in Mpeketoni Town, Lamu West, had many empty chairs under the nine tents erected in the ground.
Governor Issa Timamy was in attendance during the event presided over by Lamu County Commissioner, Wesley Koech though most political leaders were absent.
Some residents left the venue shortly after the entertainment.
Mr Koech asked residents to maintain peace and unity. He also assured members of the public of security as the festive season goes on.
In Tana River, Governor Godhana decried the cash crunch in the county, blaming the controller of budget for the problems befalling counties at the moment.
He echoed the need for a flawless system at the office of the controller of budget for ease in cash flow to devolved units.
Tana River County Commissioner David Koskei on his part urged leaders in the county to unite and champion for lasting peace.
Reports by Wachira Mwangi, Kalume Kazungu, Siago Cece, Lucy Mkanyika and Stephen Oduor
