By Anthony Mwangi and Mutuku Mwangangi
The quiet town of Machakos yesterday exploded into sudden vibrancy as thousands of Kenyans and and diplomats thronged the 20,000-seater Kenyatta Stadium to mark Mashujaa Day.
The excitement was palpable from as far as the Mombasa Highway junction, where hundreds of residents and leaders lined up to welcome guests.
Being the first national event to be held in the town, residents had come as early as 6am to take vantage positions in the stadium. Those who came at 8am found the gates closed and their pleas to be allowed in were dismissed by hawk-eyed security personnel. They were, however, later allowed in and sat in the field at the centre of the stadium.
For most residents the presence of military personnel in their colourful ceremonial attire, and the fly-past by the Kenya Airforce fighter jets was a first one.
National flag colours dotted the town as residents either wore attire with such colours or waved miniature flags to welcome the presidential motorcade.
Several bands, choirs, traditional dancers and individual artistes were at hand to entertain those in attendance.
The weather was humid with cloudy skies protecting the crowds from what would have been a scorching sun.
The Makonde community, who were stateless until last week when President Uhuru Kenyatta ordered they be registered as Kenyan citizens, also entertained the crowd with a wowing dance.
To cap it all, a grand party was hosted less than three kilometres from the stadium at the Machakos People’s Park where food and drink flowed freely.
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