Golden jubilee fete sets Twitter abuzz

Thousands of Kenyans took to social media Thursday to mark 50 years of the country’s independence.

This saw the hashtag #KenyaAt50 trend for hours as they followed the Jamhuri Day celebrations online.

While some praised achievements of the golden jubilee, others vented their frustrations at the dull weather and poor organisation of the ceremony that was held at Safaricom Stadium in Kasarani, Nairobi.

Jim Tangili tweeted: “The various TV stations should have been allowed to have full access. The pool signal feed is poor, both audio and visual.”

He was supported by Charles Wanjala who wrote: “Today’s  Jamhuri celebration organisers have done a poor job, mic failing, poor choreography, poor vocals, poor choice songs.”

“Is it me alone that am seeing the poor organisation in today’s #KenyaAt50 entertainment?” Kenneth Korir added.

Some such as Gabriel Oguda demanded a thorough audit of the budget saying, “Kenyans must be told how much the guy supplying the PA system was paid. Better still, a breakdown on how the 500M was spent.”

However, most Kenyans called for patriotism and chastised their colleagues for focusing on the negative aspects of the celebrations at the stadium.

“If those women from Samburu can make a presentation despite what they are going through, why can’t you in Nairobi be patriotic?” Carol Kamau quipped.

Eric Latiff added: “Yeah. We sit with a blanket, coffee mug in hand to focus on the gaffes at Kasarani. It is okay. Those in stadium are having a ball.”

Others took the opportunity to share what they were proud of as Kenya turned 50.

Kelvin Mong’are praised the Kenya Defence Forces with his tweet: “KDF, we appreciate you so much. You risk your lives to save other Kenyans.”

Brian Yenyewe wrote: “I am celebrating every single athlete who stood up on a podium in Kenyan colours while our national anthem rang out to the world.”

For Wilz Tetsky, “the best representation of #KenyaAt50 arguably came from  Emmy Kosgey, Suzanna Owiyo and Tony Nyadundo.”
When President Kenyatta took to the podium, he pointed out that as Kenyans we have been making strides in dealing with ignorance, poverty and disease.

Bar Nerd added: “50 years of Poverty, patron clientellism, tribalism, corruption, political assassinations, injustices and incompetent leadership.”

Wambui Muchiri responded via tweet, “It’s time to start a new by fighting poverty, hunger, water shortage, tribalism... To create an economically independent nation.”

And once all was said and done, Nelly Wainaina testified:“I am proud to be Kenyan and to have been alive to witness this day. God bless Kenya.”