In photos: The colourful ways Kenyans celebrated Jamhuri Day
A Ruto supporter holds a placard thanking the president for recognising hustlers at Nyayo Stadium on December 12, 2022. He was among people locked out of the Jamhuri Day venue due to lack of space.
Kenyans showed up in their numbers at various venues across the country to celebrate Jamhuri Day.
In Nairobi, hundreds of people began streaming into Nyayo Stadium early Monday morning for the ICT themed fete, with the government saying this year's celebration will be centred around innovation.
At some point, when the stadium filled to capacity, police officers were forced to control large crowds as they attempted to enter the packed venue.
Police officers control crowds outside Nyayo Stadium during Jamhuri Day celebrations on December 12, 2022.
Police officers control crowds outside Nyayo Stadium during Jamhuri Day celebrations on December 12, 2022.
Police officers control crowds outside Nyayo Stadium during Jamhuri Day celebrations on December 12, 2022.
A woman pleads with a police officer to be allowed into Nyayo stadium on Jamhuri Day celebrations on December 12, 2022.
Inside the venue, Kenyans were treated to entertainment from various performers.
Content creator Terence Creative was among several local celebrities who raced sprinting legend Ferdinand Omanyala in a mock marathon at Nyayo stadium during Jamhuri day celebrations.
Kenyan sprint legend Ferdinand Omanyala (right) races in a mock marathon at Nyayo stadium during Jamhuri day celebrations.
Makadem performs at Nyayo stadium during Jamhuri Day celebrations.
Members of Utawala band perform at Nyayo Stadium during Jamhuri Day celebrations on December 12, 2022.
Members of Utawala band perform at Nyayo Stadium during Jamhuri Day celebrations on December 12, 2022.
Members of the public seated at Nyayo Stadium during Jamhuri Day celebrations on December 12, 2022.
Members of the public seated at Nyayo Stadium during Jamhuri Day celebrations on December 12, 2022.
School children at Nyayo Stadium during Jamhuri Day celebrations on December 12, 2022.
Today's Jamhuri Day celebrations are also President William Ruto's first as Head of State. He arrived at around 10am at Nyayo Stadium to cheers from the crowd.
He then presided over the first trooping of the colour ceremony for the 23 Mechanised Infantry Battalion (23 MIB) since becoming the Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces on August 30.
President William Ruto witnesses the trooping of regimental and presidential colours during Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo Stadium.
President William Ruto witnesses the trooping of regimental and presidential colours during Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo Stadium. Photos| | NMG
KDF soldiers during Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo Stadium.
President William Ruto during Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo Stadium.
President William Ruto's mother Sarah (centre) arrives at Nyayo Stadium for Jamhuri Day celebrations on December 12, 2022.
First Lady Rachel Ruto arrives at Nyayo Stadium for Jamhuri Day celebrations on December 12, 2022.
Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu arrives at Nyayo Stadium for Jamhuri Day celebrations on December 12, 2022.
Mr Eusenio M'Mbiuki (middle), a Mau Mau veteran, arrives for Jamhuri Day celebrations at Kairuni Stadium in Maara constituency, Tharaka-Nithi County.
Tharaka-Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki joins dancers during Jamhuri Day celebrations at Kairuni Stadium in Maara constituency.
Nakuru County Governor Susan Kihika, Molo MP Francis Kuria Kimani (2nd left) and Deputy Governor David Kones (right) dance with Sachangw'an women dancers during Jamhuri Day celebrations at Molo Stadium, Nakuru County, on December 12, 2022.
Elburgon kids acrobats entertain the audience during Jamhuri Day celebrations at Molo Stadium, Nakuru County, on December 12, 2022.
Kenyans during Jamhuri Day celebrations at Molo Stadium, Nakuru County, on December 12, 2022.
Kenyans during Jamhuri Day celebrations at Molo Stadium, Nakuru County, on December 12, 2022.
A woman arrives at DEB Muslim Primary School, Nyeri, for Jamhuri Day celebrations.
A man records proceedings Jamhuri Day celebrations at DEB Muslim Primary School, Nyeri.
A group comprising former Mau Mau fighters presents a song during Jamhuri Day celebrations at DEB Muslim Primary School in Nyeri town.
Some of the Mau Mau fighters who attended Jamhuri Day celebrations at DEB Muslim Primary School in Nyeri town.
Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai (in suit), County Commissioner Jacob Ouma and Women Representative Cecilia Ngitit during Jamhuri Day celebrations in Kakuma, Turkana West Sub-County.
Women dancing Vugo as part of Jamhuri Day entertainment at Faza Primary School in Lamu East on December 12, 2022.
Lamu Governor IssaTimamy (in pink shirt) takes part in the Goma la Tchundwa traditional dance on Jamhuri Day at Faza Primary School in Lamu East on December 12, 2022.
Jamhuri Day celebrations at Moi stadium in Mandera town on December 12, 2022.
Jamhuri Day celebrations at Moi stadium in Mandera town on December 12, 2022.
Jamhuri Day celebrations at Moi stadium in Mandera town on December 12, 2022.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga is joined by Dutch Ambassador to Kenya Maarten Brouwer and County Commissioner Moses Lilan in a dance at St Ambrose Got Rabuor Secondary School in Homa Bay town.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru dances at Kamiigua Youth Polytechnic in Gichugu Constituency during Jamhuri Day celebrations.
Watch this year's Jamhuri Day celebrations in full here: