Claim emerge on Payments for Attendance at Jamhuri Day Celebrations at Uhuru Gardens

Groups of youth and women enrolled in development projects, environmentalists, and other social groups were transported by matatu from the Mukuru slums to join others in the Republic Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi.

The Republic Day celebration for 2023 is taking place today, Tuesday, December 12.

Speaking to Taifa Leo Digital on the condition of anonymity, they said each participant was given Ksh 500 to attend the festivities.

“We were informed by leaders that each person would be given Ksh 500 if they volunteered to go to Uhuru Gardens so that the field would not appear sparsely attended,” a mother and member of a community health project in Mukuru said.

These groups gathered in the Mukuru-Hazina slum area, South B, Starehe Sub-County.

They traveled by matatu.

On Lusaka, Entreprise, and Lunga Lunga roads, which are the hub of the Industrial Area, public transport activities were low.

“We rely on our customers, especially workers in the Industrial Area. Companies are closed today (Tuesday) for Republic Day, so we don’t have many matatus on the road today,” a driver from the Indimanje Sacco matatu told Taifa Leo Digital.

In the Juakali area, part of the Kamukunji constituency, metal box makers were busy crafting many boxes, aiming to sell them to parents when their children join high school in early 2024.

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In Machakos Country Bus, Nairobi, activities were not high as those traveling were not many.

However, in the city center, vendors dominated, conducting their businesses.

Those who spoke said they took advantage of Republic Day to seek a living because the county government officials, commonly known as “kanjo,” were not on duty.

Vendors often clash with these city council officials.