Happy Madaraka Day

Celebrated every year on June 1st, Madaraka Day memorialises the day Kenya became a self-governed country in 1963. This was followed by full independence on the 12 December 1963 (better known as Jamhuri Day) with Britain’s Union Jack replaced by the black, red and green flag we are so proud of today.

The road to independence was a long struggle but the perseverance of those that came before is what makes Kenya the great nation it is today. Madaraka is the Swahili word for “Power”, and this is what we remember today, The Day we took back our Power.

We Remember Jomo Kenyatta

Kenyatta was the name he adopted in the 1920s, which is Swahili for "the light of Kenya", a fitting title for one who widely seen as the founding father of the Kenyan nation. Jomo Kenyatta spent most of his life campaigning for Kenya's independence. His efforts cost him seven years in prison when he was convicted, in a trial now generally regarded as rigged, of being a member of the rebel Mau Mau group by the British colonists in Kenya.

But the African Union leader kept up his fight on his release in 1960 and finally led his country to independence in 1963. He was subsequently elected as the president and remained in office until his death on 22 August 1978.

Source: BBC Archives

Today We celebrate!

We leave with two precious quotes by the great Jomo Kenyatta:
 

“Our children may learn about the heroes of the past. Our task is to make ourselves the architects of the future.”  – Jomo Kenyatta

“Let there be forgiveness” – Jomo Kenyatta

Happy Madaraka Day!

From the Tripindigo Team

Celebrating #MadarakaDay on Social: