This archive report was first published on 19 December 2019.
On December 19, 2019, the Kenyan government announced that it had approved the renaming of Moi Day and Boxing Day, sparking widespread criticism on social media.
Retired President Daniel Moi's desire to rename Moi Day as Huduma Day, a day to celebrate public service, was fulfilled, but the renaming of Boxing Day to Utamaduni Day, a day to celebrate Kenya's rich cultural diversity and heritage, was met with skepticism.
Many Kenyans questioned the government's priorities, with some arguing that the move was not well thought out. 'Even changing the internationally known and acclaimed Boxing Day to Utamaduni Day is what keeps our cabinet up at night,' tweeted Ahmed Mohamed (@Asmali77). 'They are doing a fantastic job. Brilliant thinkers.'
Others argued that the government did not have the mandate to rename Boxing Day, an international holiday. 'This move is meant to deny Kenyans another day during the year which they can celebrate their culture,' tweeted Mohamed Wehliye (@WehliyeMohamed).
Some Kenyans also questioned the benefits of the renaming, with one user asking, 'How did the FULL cabinet changing Moi day to Huduma day and Boxing day to Utamaduni day HELP citizen in ONE WAY?'
As the debate raged on, many Kenyans expressed their frustration with the government's decision, with one user saying, 'Which country has a shortage of citizens? I'm done here.'
