KOT tackle Jamhuri Day politics head-on

As President Uhuru Kenyatta led the nation in marking 52 years of independence at the Nyayo Stadium, Kenyans on social media joined to let known their thoughts on the state of the nation.

A major concern for the Kenyan population that has grown from about ten million in 1963 to an estimated 40 million in 2014, has been corruption and the high cost of living.

Highlighting the country’s economic development over the past 52 years, President Uhuru Kenyatta mentioned that Kenya’s Eurobond bid was amongst Africa’s most successful, adding that it was highly oversubscribed.

His sentiments come even as opposition leaders raise concerns about how the Eurobond cash was used. A section of Kenyans on twitter (#KOT) also voiced their opinions about the issue, with several demanding more information from the government.

truth behind EurobondKE is no 1, if it mean summoning a certain LORD to shade light i've no objection coz we arent sycophants #JamhuriDay

— Maxwel Jessy (@MaxwelJessy) December 12, 2015

We dont want a perfect govt. We want a honest govt that will not steal from poor kenyans #JamhuriDay #KenyaAt52 #ThatsNotPropaganda

— eric murithi (@ericmuchena) December 12, 2015

Addressing the nation during Jamhuri Day celebrations, the president warned that no one would be spared in the fight against corruption.

President Kenyatta, who has been under pressure from the opposition to prove his government’s commitment in the war against graft, said the government seized corruptly acquired property and money amounting to Ksh 2.2 billion.

“As your president, I have fought to create an environment that resists dishonest and unethical practices … I have used my office to concentrate the country’s attention to this menace… And I have taken strong actions,” said the president.

#KOT in their usual fashion needed to have their say on the president’s speech among other issues on the sixth Jamhuri Day under the current constitution adopted in 2010.

Of course #KOT has many faces with a few choosing to be kind, others flexing their online facades of creative arrogance and others simply speaking their mind.

Here’s a peek:

President #KENYATTA mentioned #corruption 10 times during his #JamhuriDay Speech. Clear indication of its priority at least rhetorically.

— abdullahi Boru (@QulshTM) December 12, 2015

Uhuru has been to 49 countries since getting elected but only to 37 counties in Kenya. Priorities. #ThatsNotPropaganda #JamhuriDay

— Robert ALAI (@RobertAlai) December 12, 2015

This Kenyan thought that Kenyan’s needed to understand what exactly the fight against corruption means.

Kenyans, what do you mean by fighting corruption? Someone please explain to me like an illiterate grandma in Ngamia One, Turkana #JamhuriDay

— stephen kimani (@kimani_jr) December 12, 2015

Another Kenyan complained of an increase in the price of his favourite commodities.

nimeamka mornin 2buy Dutch water nikapata ni150 last week itwas 90/- nikaenda naivas snack nilibuy Sunday80/- nikapata ni120/- #JamhuriDay

— IG @vnyagah (@VN_Mentor) December 12, 2015

A section of #KOT seemed to have taken issue with the government’s stand on criticism, even though in his speech Kenyatta said it was those who make “baseless allegations” who would be held accountable.

" Patriotism is not just about singing praises of Kenya, Criticism is also an expression of Patriotism" – Paul Achar @paulachar #Jamhuriday

— David Mutai (@David1Mutai) December 10, 2015

According to RUTO & MURKOMEN when you demand for accountability you are sabotaging the economy #JamhuriDay

— Amos Kituyi (@KituyiAmos) December 12, 2015

I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. #JamhuriDay # freedomQuote #ThatsNotPropaganda

— Dm Nyaga (@NyagaDm) December 12, 2015

Hawk-eyed #KOT could not let the incident during the parade pass without drawing interesting explanations.

@brads_fashion @LarryMadowo it was not the soldiers fault to drop the sword during #JamhuriDay celebration. It was symbolic @Asamoh_

— William Onoka (@WilliamOnoka) December 12, 2015

Parade commander dropped sword? Symptomatic of things in this administration. @awdoll. Never bothered following #JamhuriDay.

— Felix Ochieng (@Feodera) December 12, 2015

And then, there were those who felt something needed to be done about the holiday itself.

"@Tweetrsation: Does this mean Monday is a holiday? What happens when a public holiday falls on a Saturday? #JamhuriDay"

— обслуживание техник (@KihiuDuncan) December 12, 2015

#ThatsNotPropaganda it high time Kenya removed Madaraka & Jamhuri days lets have Mashujaa day only, just look ta what #JamhuriDay was today

— Cane cutter (@CharlesJb1) December 12, 2015

Its high time holidays like #JamhuriDay should be scrapped off since its only empty promises kenyans get What do u think?drop u views RT

— Fredy The Blogger (@FredyBlogger254) December 12, 2015

Then those who steered clear of all the above and stuck to optimism.

And the people of this nation shall rise as one, to slay the beast of corruption, and set the country free at last. #JamhuriDay

— Hadasnoop (@hadasnoop) December 12, 2015

#JamhuriDay "Our children may learn about the heroes of the past. Our task is to make ourselves the architects of the future"

— Bob Kostic (@causticbob) December 12, 2015

Despite the confusion, Kenya remains a beautiful place, with beautiful people full of optimism. Happy #JamhuriDay. pic.twitter.com/y4yzvrsulL

— Stephen Musyoka (@smusyoka) December 12, 2015