SPEECH BY H.E. UHURU KENYATTA, C.G.H., PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE DEFENCE FORCES OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA DURING THE FOURTH MASHUJAA DAY, 20TH OCTOBER, 2013, NYAYO STADIUM Fellow Kenyans, It gives me pleasure to join you on this occasion of the Fourth Mashujaa Day celebrations. Before I proceed, I request that we all stand up and observe a minute of silence in honor of all those who lost their lives in the Westgate terror attack. Thank you. Let us always cherish their memory. Fellow Kenyans, This year, we mark the Golden Jubilee of our Republic. We intend to commemorate 50 years of independence, by celebrating our triumphs and reflecting upon our future progress. We want to remember where we have come from, and envision our journey forward. Starting today, we will have diverse activities by people in all sectors of our public life and all parts of the country to mark “Kenya at 50″. I encourage all Kenyans to join in this festival and celebrate our country. We are here to commemorate the sacrifice and heroism of many Kenyans whose vision and conviction won us freedom and sovereignty. Colonialism had stripped all Kenyans of their fundamental rights. They had no land, and were considered inferior in their own home. There was neither dignity nor freedom for Kenyans then. Our forefathers waged a struggle of conviction and principle, supported with no resources except the burning fire of humiliation and the indefeasible yearning for independence and respect. They were brave and noble. Many took up armed struggle in the forests, as others formed and led movements for the civil agitation for independence. The colonial reaction was repressive and brutal. Heroes were killed and imprisoned, while the rest were stigmatised and hunted down like animals. The cost of the struggle was painful, because the settlers did not consider Africans equal human beings worthy of rights. This day marks the official beginning of the worst phase of colonialism, and the most harrowing period of our struggle for independence. The brutality our independence heroes underwent from 20th October, 1952 until the attainment of self- government ten years later defies imagination. It is the reason that we have reverently emblazoned our national flag with the red of their sacred blood. That is why our constitution states that We the People honour those who heroically struggled to bring freedom and justice to our land. In history, Mashujaa Day is a day written in blood by the hand of our heroes. From an era of racial discrimination and violent abuse, our heroes gallantly ushered us into a new dawn of equality, dignity and sovereignty. It is important to recognize that the struggle for freedom and justice continued after independence to this day. We are here to salute the unshakable courage, conviction and sacrifice of all those who have served the cause of freedom in Kenya, and in Africa. Our forefathers rejected colonialism and imperial domination in their time. We must honour their legacy, and stay true to our heritage, by rejecting all forms of domination and manipulation in our time. Let us confront without flinching those external forces seeking to thwart our collective aspirations. They may be powerful and rich, but so were the colonists. They may disrespect and even hate us; we have defeated their ilk before. The struggle to defend our independence is a daily calling for all Kenyans, and all the people of Africa. Fellow Kenyans, Besides freedom fighters and political leaders, there are other Kenyans who have made significant contribution in business, research, scholarship, and public service. We commend them for their distinguished service. Most importantly, I would like to commend the millions of Kenyan workers, entrepreneurs, and farmers for their steady nation building efforts. Our country grows and thrives because of your consistency and hard work. You are the practitioners of a unique form of patriotism. Let us also honour those Kenyans who, every day, perform acts of selflessness and bravery. They include the volunteers who respond in disasters and emergencies, the philanthropists who donate to the needy and members of our security services who protect us at great risk to their own lives. On my own behalf, and on behalf of the people of Kenya, I say a big “Thank You” to all of you.
Posted on: Sun, 20 Oct 2013 10:57:59 +0000
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