This archive report was first published on 22 August 2019.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has made the decision to cancel public celebrations for his father's 41st memorial, Jomo Kenyatta, who passed away on August 22, 1978.
Speaking on August 22, 2019, during the 41st memorial of Jomo Kenyatta, Uhuru stated that it is time to move away from public gatherings and instead, have a more personal commemoration.
According to Uhuru, his family has agreed to cancel the public celebrations and instead, urge Kenyans to honor Jomo Kenyatta through their actions, as he would have wanted.
Uhuru emphasized that this decision is not about celebrating an individual, but rather, the legacy and spirit of Jomo Kenyatta, which does not require people to come together in large numbers.
As the first President of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta played a significant role in the country's history, serving as the Prime Minister before Kenya gained independence from British colonial rule.
Since his passing, Jomo Kenyatta has been remembered and honored by Kenyans and other freedom fighters.
“Each person will remember Jomo Kenyatta in their own way through their actions and by following in his footsteps as he would have wanted. It is not about celebrating an individual, but the spirit of Jomo Kenyatta that does not require people to come together in large numbers,” Uhuru said.
