For years now, Kenyans no longer celebrate Moi Day on October 10. Instead, they mark Utamaduni day, which was at some point known as Huduma day.
The country first celebrated Moi Day in 1988 when President Daniel Moi marked 10 years in power. Moi, who ruled the country for solid 24 years, succeeded Jomo Kenyatta who died in office in 1978.
However, after the promulgation of the Constitution in 2010, Moi day was scraped, ending an era of a holiday that embodied ‘Nyayoism’.
Consequently, in 2017, High Court judge George Odungas ruled that October 10 was still, by law, a public holiday.
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“I hereby grant a declaration that the omission to have the 10th day of October observed as a public holiday is an illegality and in contravention of Section 2(1) as read with part 1 of the schedule to the Public Holidays Act,” Justice George Odunga ruled on November 8, 2017.
The court observed that unless Parliament changes the law to scrap it or the Interior CS substitutes it with another fete, Kenyans would still observe the day meant to honor the country’s second President Daniel Arap Moi – a man with a two-sided legacy.
In 2020, the holiday was named Huduma day, in honor of former President Daniel Moi’s call for service and volunteerism.
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Why Utamaduni day?
However, later that year, the holiday was officially renamed Utamaduni Day. This was in accordance with the statute miscellaneous amendments Act No. 29 of 2020.
Consequently, in 2022, the then Interior Cabinet secretary, Fred Matian’gi gazette the holiday.
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“It is hereby notified that Monday, 10th October 2022, will be a public holiday (Utamaduni Day),” stated Fred Matian’gi.
Matiang’i said that Kenyans should honor the holiday by recognizing Kenya’s rich cultural diversity in a manner that promotes unity, national cohesion, and economic progress.
However, worth noting is the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) which suggested that Huduma Day be celebrated every 10th of October. Additionally, it was suggested December 26 be set aside for Utamaduni day.
Utamaduni day is a holiday that celebrates Kenya’s cultural diversity. Kenya which currently has over 44 ethnic groups is a home to diverse cultures.
“Utamaduni” is a Swahili word that means culture.
” We are therefore committed to reshape our cultural interactions and celebrations to reflect this diversity” the Principal Secretary for Culture, Arts and Heritage Ummi Bashir commented on the public holiday.
