KENYA: President Uhuru Kenyatta leads Kenyans in celebrating the country's 50th anniversary of independence from British rule

Record ID: 362795

  • Title: KENYA: President Uhuru Kenyatta leads Kenyans in celebrating the country's 50th anniversary of independence from British rule
  • Date: 12th December 2013
  • Summary: NAIROBI, KENYA (DECEMBER 12, 2013) (REUTERS) MILITARY PARADE IN STADIUM KENYAN PRESIDENT UHURU KENYATTA DRIVING INTO STADIUM WHILE WAVING AT CROWD CROWD WAVING KENYAN FLAGS VARIOUS OF MILITARY PARADE KENYATTA AND MILITARY OFFICIALS LOOKING ON MILITARY HELICOPTERS WITH BANNER FLYING OVER STADIUM (SOUNDBITE) (English) KENYAN PRESIDENT, UHURU KENYATTA, SAYING: "Today marks a
  • Embargoed: 27th December 2013 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Kenya
  • Country: Kenya
  • Topics: Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVA25NCRM0JZJIDK2Q5NM799VX6N
  • Story Text: Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday (December 12) led the nation in celebrating the country's 50th anniversary since gaining its independence from Britain.
    Kenyatta, while addressing a huge crowd that gathered at a stadium in the outskirts of Nairobi paid glowing tribute to the country's independence icons.
    Kenya became independent on December 12, 1963, and became a republic a year later, with Uhuru Kenyatta's father Jomo Kenyatta as the first president.
    "Today marks a historic, and indeed momentous and glorious day for our country Kenya. It is with joy and pride that we celebrate 50 years of independence. 50 years ago on December 12 1963, a new and noble nation - Kenya was born with unlimited potential. We were now a free and sovereign people, and we began the journey of determining our own political, economic, and social destiny," said Kenyatta.
    However, the Kenyan president said the country had yet to reach its full potential.
    "While we have made significant strides as a nation, let us face the reality. We are yet to reach the promised land. Over the last five decades we have missed opportunities to be the best of the best in the world. With excellent economic plans and resources exported to build other nations, our infrastructure has not been sufficient to meet our developmental needs. Our social and political environment has been susceptible to manipulation and practices that have made it difficult to reduce inequality in a meaningful manner," Kenyatta told crowds filling the stadium.
    Military helicopters with flew overhead during the event, while military bands and traditional dancers performed in the stadium.
    Foreign dignitaries joined the celebrations, including Democratic Republic of Congo president Joseph Kabila, Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni and Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa in attendance.
    Museveni added his congratulations with a warning.
    "Today, we are here happy and we are celebrating 50 years of independence. Despite this milestone, we are still looked down upon from other nations which is very dangerous," he said.
    To mark the occasion, balloons and fireworks were set off at midnight Thursday with Kenyatta addressing the nation.
    Earlier on Thursday a hand grenade was hurled at a vehicle carrying two British tourists, but police said the device failed to explode.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2013. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
  • Usage Terms/Restrictions: None
Register