President Uhuru Kenyatta's final Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1, 2022, included a military display by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) showcasing advanced weaponry, as the nation commemorated 59 years of self-rule. The event at Uhuru Gardens in Lang'ata marked the first in-person Madaraka Day since the 2020 pandemic lockdown.
Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio attended as chief guest, joined by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta and former First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta. Key political figures present included Deputy President William Ruto, Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua.
The KDF demonstrated previously unseen combat equipment, with Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho confirming the event cost between Ksh60 million and Ksh70 million. The military's display served as a tribute to Kenyatta, who was leaving office after a decade in power.
Uhuru Gardens, central to Kenya's independence history, hosted over 30,000 attendees. The event featured moments of political camaraderie, including Raila Odinga greeting Kenyatta, alongside lighter interactions like Ruto assisting his wife with a ribbon.
A newly renovated museum at Uhuru Gardens was unveiled ahead of the celebrations, highlighting the site's role in Kenya's struggle for independence.