Madaraka Day: William Ruto Excitedly Wakes Up To Join Performers In Dance

• All roads led to the Madaraka Day celebrations in Bungoma, where notable political personalities were present
• The stadium was entertained by Luhya performers who took over and left the attendees dancing their hearts out at the stadium
• President William Ruto was on his feet dancing to the rhythmic music as the Luhya dancers showcased their performances

Bungoma - The 2024 Madaraka Day celebrations at Masinde Muliro Stadium has been marked with pomp and colour.

Madaraka Day celebrations are held annually on June 1, a national holiday commemorating the day Kenya achieved independent internal self-governance from the British colonists.

It is one of the three national holidays created under Article 8 of the 2010 Constitution.

Kenyans have a unique way of celebrating Madaraka Day. They gather in thousands at a venue selected for the event.

Did Ruto dance during Madaraka Day?

During the proceedings, there is so much fun as singers and dancers entertain the crowd.

Luhya dancers at Masinde Muliro Stadium gave their best performance during the 2024 celebration, leaving Ruto to join them.

The president was on his feet as other Luhya dancers, Michah Wanyenche, Sammy Mang'ara, David Barasa, Janerose Khaemba and Opeta Musungu, shook their shoulders in unison.

Did George Natembeya attend the Madaraka celebrations?

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya attended this year's celebrations despite initially claiming he was not invited.

The county chief was among a host of county bosses from the Western Kenya Region who graced the annual event.

Natembeya's attendance was notable as he had alleged that some individuals at the event did not want him there due to his outspoken nature.

The event saw participation from several Western Kenya region governors, including Wilber Khasilwa Ottichilo (Vihiga), Paul Otuoma (Busia), and Fernandes Barasa (Kakamega). Other governors in attendance included Wisley Rotich (Elgeyo Marakwet), Jonathan Bii (Uasin Gishu), Irungu Kang'ata (Murang'a), and Simba Arati (Kisii).

History of Madaraka Day

Kenya's colonial history can be traced back to 1885 when the Germans invaded the coast that had previously been occupied by the Sultan of Zanzibar.

Five years later, in 1890, Great Britain took over the German Territory and established the East African Protectorate in 1895.

The British settlers began arriving in the country in huge numbers and occupied the best and most fertile agricultural districts that belonged to the natives. Only a few of the settlers moved to the northern parts of Kenya because it was very dry.

Kenya became an official colony of Britain in 1920. Land disputes were prevalent, and this resulted in the Mau Mau rebellion, which put the country in a state of emergency from 1952 to 1959.

The end of apartheid in 1944 paved the way for a few local African officials to be appointed to the government. However, the first elections were not held in the country until 1957.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.