Near empty Kasarani stadium delays Jamhuri celebrations

Jamhuri Day celebrations held at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi on December 12 witnessed a record low turnout, with reports suggesting less than 10,000 people turned up for the ceremony.

The event, which according to schedule, was to kick off at 10am, was delayed, with reports suggesting that organizers of the function were waiting for more people to make their way to the 60,000 capacity Kasarani Stadium.

There was stark difference from two weeks ago during President Uhuru Kenyatta’s inauguration when the stadium was filled to capacity forcing many others to follow the proceedings outside.

As at 11:15am, the function had not begun. President Uhuru Kenyatta arrived at the stadium a few minutes to noon.

The most notable figure, who had made his way to the Kasarani Stadium at the time, was Chief Justice David Maraga.

The gates were opened to the public at 7am.

A top agenda expected to dominate President Kenyatta’s speech is integration among Kenyans, especially during this time, when Kenyans are divided along political and ethnic lines.