Westlands subcounty marked this year's Madaraka Day celebrations in a patriotic atmosphere, with government officials and community leaders calling on young people to embrace peace, unity and responsible citizenship.
Hundreds of residents gathered at Kangemi Primary School on Sunday to commemorate Kenya's journey towards self-governance and reflect on the country's achievements since attaining internal self-rule.
The event was led by Deputy County Commissioner Buxton Mayabi and brought together local administrators, community leaders, youth groups and residents in a show of national pride and solidarity.
Addressing the gathering, Mayabi emphasized the importance of national unity, economic transformation and civic responsibility in advancing the country's development agenda.
He urged residents to remain committed to peaceful coexistence and work together in fostering harmony within their communities regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity or social background.
“Madaraka Day reminds us not only of the sacrifices made for our freedom but also of the responsibility we carry as citizens to protect peace, respect one another and contribute positively to nation-building. Kenya belongs to all of us, and development can only be achieved when communities work together in unity,” Mayabi said.
The DCC further called on young people to embrace peaceful civic engagement, cautioning against violence, destruction of property and political manipulation.
“Our youth are the future of this country. Your voice matters, your ideas matter, and your participation matters. But meaningful change must be pursued through lawful and peaceful means. Let us reject division and destruction and instead build communities founded on dialogue, responsibility and hope,” the DCC added.
Speaking during the event, Rose Wanja, a community leader, praised residents for maintaining peace and participating, describing the celebrations as a reflection of maturity, patriotism and a shared commitment to national unity.
She observed that despite the absence of MPs, MCAs and other elected political leaders, wananchi turned up to celebrate together in a peaceful atmosphere.
“No MP, no MCA and no political representatives attended or sent delegates, yet wananchi turned up peacefully, celebrated together and demonstrated that unity, responsibility and love for country are more important than political presence,” Wanja said.
Wanja encouraged youth to use constitutional channels, including dialogue, peaceful demonstrations and consultations with relevant authorities whenever concerns arise, warning against political actors seeking to manipulate genuine frustrations for selfish interests.
“To our youth, you enjoy freedoms that generations before us fought for, but do not allow those freedoms to push you into unlawful actions that could cost you your future, liberty or even life. Your voice is powerful without violence, and meaningful change can still be achieved responsibly,” she said.
Beyond the celebrations, residents who attended the Madaraka Day event also accessed a range of government services brought closer to the grassroots.
Among services offered were assistance by the Transport
Licensing Appeal Board (TLAB) for delayed licensing matters, Police Clearance
Certificate (PCC) processing through the National Police Service, title
deed-related support under the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning, and
registration and verification services by the Social Health Authority (SHA).
