This archive report was first published on 22 August 2019.
On August 22, 2019, President Uhuru Kenyatta made a significant announcement regarding the annual memorial service for his father, the first President Jomo Kenyatta.
For the past 40 years, the nation has come together to commemorate the founding President's death, which occurred on August 22, 1978. The ritual has involved laying a wreath at the mausoleum at Parliament Buildings and a memorial service at the Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi.
However, in a shift from tradition, President Kenyatta revealed that the family had decided to make the memorial service a private affair, ending the annual public ritual.
"This is the last time we are commemorating the death of the founding father in this manner," President Kenyatta stated during the 41st memorial service at the Holy Family Basilica.
He explained that he had consulted with the Kenyatta family and they had agreed that the memorial service should be a private family affair.
President Kenyatta also acknowledged the dedication of his predecessors, Presidents Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki, who had faithfully observed the memorial service during their respective terms in office.
He praised the Catholic Church for allowing the Kenyatta family to conduct the memorial service in the Basilica and emphasized the importance of focusing on the values and legacy of the late President rather than just remembering him.
