First Lady's state house choir performs in her absence

President Kibaki led the nation in what could perhaps be the last Madaraka Day celebrations under the Independence Constitution.

And thousands of Kenyans took time to witness this occasion at the Nyayo National Stadium, maybe to be part of history should Kenyans endorse the Proposed Constitution and destine the current one to the dustbin.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga captured the possibility of an end of an era of the current laws, saying Kenyans did not participate in the making of the current Constitution and that it is a colonial document that needs to be overhauled with a process that Kenyans have participated in.

This belief in patriotism was evident at the other part of the stadium that directly faced the dais.

A group of 5,000 students from 24 secondary schools in the city resplendent in the national flag colours occupied 20 compartments, bringing out a colourful display of the national colours of green, white, red and black.

National flag

The PM said: "Nikiangalia pande ile naona bendera ya Kenya. (From where I sit, I can see the national flag colours on the other side of the stadium)."

Kibaki entered the stadium at 11am to a cheering crowd and acknowledged by waving back aboard the ceremonial land rover as he took a lap round the stadium. First Lady Lucy Kibaki did not attend the ceremony.

Security was tight at the function and journalists were directed to gain entry into the venue from other routes other than the traditional entrance.

Seventeen guards ringed the President after he was through with inspecting the guard of honour mounted by the military, but only three of them climbed with him up the dais. Chief of General Staff Jeremiah Kianga and the aide-de-camp (ADC) also accompanied Kibaki up the dais.

It was the first national day assignment for Kibaki’s new ADC Lt Col GK Muturi, who took over the job last week.

The First Lady’s State House choir also had its maiden performance belting out Sote Tupendane (let’s love one another) tune. The choir is an initiative of Mrs Kibaki and came into being at the beginning of the year.