I’ve never seen the whole country celebrate like when we marked 50 years of independence.

Not to be left out, I went to the Safaricom Stadium Kasarani to celebrate with thousands of Kenyans and foreign dignitaries who were here for the grand bash.

As you’d expect, security was very tight. I was unable to get media accreditation in good time so I was ‘relegated’ to the terraces, which turned out to be more exciting than trackside where all the other photo journalists had be batched up. Being with the wananchi gave me a unique perspective of the celebrations.

The rains poured heavy on the morning of 12th December. So umbrellas and jackets were put to work and with our best feet forward, we trekked 3 kms from the matatu stop to the designated entrance into the stadium.

Safaricom have done a good job with improving the look of Kasarani Stadium since they got naming rights.

Very proud father. Reminds me of the time my dad took me to Uhuru Park to see my sister sing for President Moi in the mass choir. That was in 1988 or thereabouts.

She was in a true celebratory mood, standing up to ululate whenever presidents from other countries arrived in the stadium.

President Uhuru Kenyatta arrived and was welcomed with wild cheers from the crowd. He is a loved man.

 

This balloon was pegged to the ground using a stack of concrete blocks, just in case the wind wanted to play ball.

Guard of Honour.

Kenya Army.

Air Force.

Kenya Navy.

We are all photographers, aren’t we?

Having a KQ plane flying so low was something special. You could almost see the pilot waving back!

This lady used the clean rain water to remove mud from her shoes.

 

It was against the constitution to make an item of clothing using the flag. Not any more.

After this, I left and headed for a family celebration.

I pray I will be around to do this all over again at the Kenya @ 100 Celebrations.