President William Ruto led Kenyans in Madaraka Day celebrations at the newly constructed Masinde Muliro Kanduyi stadium in Bungoma County.
This is the first time the event was held in Bungoma, in line with the government’s decision to devolve national events to counties. Here’s a real-time update of the events happening at the Kanduyi Stadium.
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12:30: President Ruto ends his speech signifying the end of the Madaraka Day Celebrations in Bungoma.
11:42: President Ruto makes his speech at the 61st Madaraka Day Celebration.
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Announces that the government is writing off all debts owed by Coffee Cooperatives in the Country.
The head of state maintains that all State officers including him will be held accountable for utilization of public resources.
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President Ruto assures the people of Bungoma that the contractor at the Masinde Muliro stadium will not leave site until the stadium is fully completed.
“The people around this stadium who have decided to acquire public land, please, tuheshimiane kidogo. Kama unajua uko na shamba ya serikali, pole pole funga virago vyako ondoka,” the President noted to caution individuals who have acquired land illegally in the vicinity of the Stadium.
At the same time, President William Ruto asked Bungoma County Government to buy land at Matulo Airstrip as part of partnership where the National Government will construct a new terminal.
In his speech, the President said Bungoma residents will no longer have to travel to Kisumu or Eldoret to catch flights as the new airport will serve the county and its environs.
11:38: Deputy President Rigathi makes his speech and welcomes President Ruto.
11:30: Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka welcomes President Ruto and Kenyans for the celebrations, recognizes leaders present. Welcomes Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to address his speech.
11:21: President Ruto addresses the stadium after the commissioning of the Agripreneurs. The Head of State says that the youth have the mandate to educate and mobilize other farmers from all parts of the whole country on how turn farming into business.
Ruto gets into a photo session with the commissioned youth after the speech.
11:15: Kenyans that had been locked outside the stadium allowed to enter.
11:13: At least 2500 Agripreneurs ambassadors drawn from all 47 Counties commissioned by President Ruto.
Exercise led by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi who presented the Agripreneurs.
11:00: Entertainment session continues with different groups presenting traditional songs
10:30: Pupils drawn from local schools in Bungoma opened the entertainment segment with several presentations. The pupils, dressed in all white, formed patterns on turf of Masinde Muliro Stadium including one resembling the map of Kenya and another forming the word “Ukulima”, Swahili for farming, which was part of theme in the 61st Madaraka celebrations.
9:50: The President inspected a guard of honor mounted by Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) officers.
9.45: President William Ruto arrived at the Masinde Muliro Stadium in Kanduyi, Bungoma County where he was welcomed by a cheerful crowd. The Head of State made a lap of honour around the stadium as Kenyans waved flags and with the iconic “Kenya Taifa Letu” track playing in the background.
9:25 am: Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua arrives at the event, set to welcome the Head of State upon his arrival.
8:40 am: Arrival of High-ranking State Officials.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula are among high-ranking Kenyan leaders present at the celebrations.
Also, Cabinet Secretaries have also arrived at the event including Defence CS Aden Duale, Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen and their Tourism counterpart Alfred Mutua.
Interior CS Kithure Kindiki and PS Raymond Omollo are also leaders present.
The Chief of Defense Forces General Charles Kahariri and Governors including Trans-Nzoia governor George Natembeya have arrived arrived as well.
Several Member of Parliaments are also present at the event including Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa and Mumias East MP Peter Salasya.
Earlier: Kenyans Brave the Cold, Light up Bungoma Stadium
The atmosphere at the stadium was electric on Saturday morning as Kenyans gathered for the 61st Madaraka Day celebrations.
Security was heightened with police officers manning various points of entry and maintaining order.
Thousands of Kenyans braved the cool morning air with some revealing that they had arrived in the stadium from as early as 4 am to secure their spots.
The stadium was already full by midmorning as Kenyans attending the event filled the air with exciting chatter and bright colors of the Kenyan flags.
Ruto while commencing his three-day tour of Bungoma County launched various development projects on Friday, May 31.
The President commissioned the Kapkara dam in Sirisia sub-county, launched the upgrading to bitumen standard of Junction 779 Mayanja-Bisumu-Siria Road and officially opened a passport issuance office in Bungoma Town.
Ruto said the three projects will facilitate people’s access to opportunities, resources and essential services.
The head of state further pointed out that the government is devolving immigration services to ensure Kenyans do not incur unnecessary costs to acquire essential documents.
According to him, the Bungoma immigration office will serve Vihiga, Kakamega, Busia and Trans Nzoia counties.
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