Calls for the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), reviving the economy and tackling the problem of illicit brew dominated speeches as Kenyans gathered across the country to celebrate Jamhuri Day.

In events marked by low-turnout in several counties, leaders challenged President William Ruto to solve some of the teething problems affecting the country.

In Western Kenya, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa who led the county in marking the event at ASK Showground in Kakamega town said it is important for politicians to stop self-centred politics and allow for formation of IEBC  as early as possible to prepare for pending by-elections and 2027 general elections.

Political goodwill

“IEBC commissioners need to be appointed immediately to start preparing for the 2027 General Election, including the delimitation of boundaries that must be done ahead of the polls and our two top leaders President Ruto and Raila Odinga have shown the goodwill in the formation of the electoral body,” he said.

Deputy Governor Ayub Savula urged Kenyans and leaders to give President Ruto time to deliver and the same should be replicated at county level.

However, locals who attended the fete urged both the national government and county governments to involve locals in decision making, especially when introducing new laws that touch on the lives of many.

“We saw President Ruto signing almost six bills into law and we do not know whether they engaged people through public participation, we want to tell the government to always conduct public participation when coming up with new policies to avoid confusion and mistrust,” said Alvin Makokha, Lurambi resident.

Makokha urged the national government to seal loopholes affecting the new Social Health Authority (SHA) medical scheme.

In Migori, chaos briefly disrupted the exercise after two rival groups clashed at Rongo Primary School, forcing attendees to flee. Some Members of County Assembly (MCAs) had to escape through the school’s fence as police fired in the air in efforts to cool the situation.

Migori County Commissioner Kisilu Mutua had to read the president’s speech while surrounded by police.

Governor Ochilo Ayacko who had attended the function condemned the tension and called for unity saying that people should not fight each other because of politics.

In Rift Valley, senior government officials rallied Kenyans to embrace national unity.

Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha vowed to crack down on the number of bars operating in the region. “We cannot have over 1,300 bars in the region, which is much higher than that of schools and churches combined,” he said.

He said that the county government has already established the County Liquor Licensing Board over the increase in consumption of illicit brews and drugs in the recent past.

In Narok County, female circumcisers in Transmara East Sub-County were told to abandon the harmful practice, or they will be prosecuted.

Speaking at Emurua Dikiir Primary School grounds Deputy County Commissioner John Chirchir said the government has already profiled the circumcisers and identified them by location and village. He told them to surrender their tools of trade before action is taken against them. He went ahead to assure residents of the government’s commitment to ensure their safety during the festive season, urging the locals to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

In North Rift, governors used the celebrations to highlight their development agenda in the last two years.

In Trans Nzoia County, Governor George Natembeya challenged residents to be proactive in the development agenda to ensure they receive priority projects.

Robust plan

He emphasised that each ward has specific priority development projects that can only be identified through public participation. “We have a robust plan to revolutionise the health sector, including setting up a cancer centre at Mt Elgon Hospital,” said the Governor.

County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi stated that measures have been put in place to guarantee a safe holiday season. “As the security committee, we have implemented measures to ensure no incidents are reported during the festive season,” he said.

Parents were also cautioned to monitor their children closely, particularly girls, who are at greater risk of falling victim to teenage pregnancies during this period.

At Cheramei area in Turbo, Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Chelilim Bii used the celebrations to outline his administration’s agenda and projects, noting that they have achieved major milestones in the various sectors, including education, health, agriculture and infrastructure.

Murang’a County Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha warned rogue bar operators that stock second generation brews will face the full wrath of the law, adding that crackdown on illicit brews will continue in all parts  of the county. “During the festive season, the police will intensify patrols to ensure  all liquor outlets  have valid licenses and stock the recommended brands,” said the administrator.

At the Coast, government officials challenged residents to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to benefit from the government transformative programme.

Mombasa County Commissioner Mohamed Hassan and his Taita Taveta counterpart Joseph Onunga decried low registration in the region and asked residents to embrace the initiative for the sake of their health. “I urge all residents to register with SHA to benefit from the government’s transformative healthcare programme under the Taifa Care,” said Hassan.

Onunga noted that out of the 350,000 people in the county only 70,000 people have registered and the exercise was moving at low pace.

Report by Anne Atieno, Renson Mnyamwezi, Willis Oketch, Martin Ndiema, Lyn Kolongei, Benard Lusigi, James Munyeki, Kiprono Kurgat and Boniface Gikandi