This archive report was first published on 22 August 2019.
Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta has marked the 41st anniversary of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta's death at the Holy Family Basilica on August 22, 2019.
However, in a significant shift, President Kenyatta announced that this year would be the last to publicly commemorate the late president.
Speaking at the commemoration ceremony, President Kenyatta expressed gratitude to his predecessor, President Mwai Kibaki, who had commemorated the day for 10 years, and to himself for doing so for 21 years.
He emphasized that Kenyans would now commemorate Jomo Kenyatta individually, in their own way, and through actions that reflect the spirit of the late president.
President Kenyatta also used the occasion to address dynasty references, stating that leadership is not based on class, family, or race, but on the desire to serve.
He urged people to be mindful of their words, as they can hurt others and have families behind them.
