Over 30,000 expected in Nakuru at Madaraka Day fete

A flurry of activity has characterised Nakuru Town as workers continued to spruce up Afraha Stadium, the venue for Wednesday’s unprecedented Madaraka Day celebrations in which over 30,000 are expected.

President Uhuru Kenyatta will lead celebrations for the 53rd anniversary of Kenya’s self-rule that will, for the first time ever, be held outside Nairobi.

Contracted workers have been on the rush to complete final touches at the Stadium.

Unlike other days, the usually tranquil skies above Nakuru Town have in the last two weeks been punctured by the roar of military helicopters with Kenya Defence Forces teams rehearsing displays they will unleash.

On the ground, school choirs fine-tuned their songs, offering the workers a welcome choral relief.

There were thuds from well-choreographed boots of National Police Service and National Youth Service (NYS) teams rehearsing in the stadium, besides tunes from the school choirs and sounds of military ‘copter blades.

STADIUM SECURED

By Monday evening, security agents drawn from various police units had secured the Afraha Stadium and surrounding areas.

Sources revealed to the Nation that local security teams and the Presidential Escort Unit (PEU) officers were partnering to ensure the area is safe ahead of the celebrations.

Last week, a team from State House, Nairobi, inspected the stadium and was appraised on measures taken to receive President Kenyatta and other dignitaries.
According to Nakuru Governor Kinuthia Mbugua, more than 30,000 people are expected to attend the historic celebrations.

“Kenyans from all walks of life are welcome to Nakuru to celebrate the big day.

“I urge even the opposition Cord members to shelf the idea of holding their celebrations at Nairobi’s Uhuru Park,” said Mr Kinuthia.

The celebrations will mark President Kenyatta’s sixth visit to Nakuru County since the beginning of the year.

TRADERS READY

Local artists were busy producing paintings and drawings of the President and his deputy William Ruto, complete with their election campaign slogans and other quotes.

Mr Patrick Owuor was busy printing T-shirts, caps and other items in preparation for the big day.

Mr Martin Kinyanjui, another trader, was also preparing accessories for sale. They included belts and sunglasses.

A spot check in local hotels revealed that visitors from outside Nakuru had already booked in.

Many hotel owners interviewed anticipated increased business during and after the celebrations.

Roads leading to the Afraha Stadium have also received a facelift.

The Nation also established that the Nakuru County government had financed the planting of grass and flowers along key streets and roads in Nakuru Town.