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Jamhuri Day Celebrations in UMASS, Boston, More Photos below, Continued by Jamleck Kiki Wairimu
Kenyan Ambassador to the US Elkanah Odembo, The First Lady and Bishop Joshua Wambua recieve a Certificate of Honor on Behalf of The Kenyan Community by Massachusetts Governor, Deval Patrick. Presented By his office Representative. Sunday December 12th 2010 passed with
fresh and renewed memories of the cause that many Kenyans fought and
died for in their quest for an independent State. These memories came
alive as hundreds of Kenyans and many friends of Kenya gathered to honor
and celebrate those men and women that put their lives in danger to fight
for freedom 47 years ago.
In a well organized and coordinated event at the University of Massachusetts Student Center in Boston, Kenyans of every walk of life, tribe, gender and age sang and danced to patriotic Swahili songs played live by the popular St. Stephens Church live band from Lowell. Many among the attendees who have lived abroad for many years felt home away from home.
It was evident that these tunes gave them powerful memories of what they have missed living away from Kenya.
It was also a new beginning for the young and restless ever-growing population of Kenyan-Americans who have little or no attachment to the memories and the excitement that is shared and beheld by the older generation of Kenyans living in the U.S.A.
They were not only entertained by different speakers who sort to revive the spirits of prominent patriotic Kenyans who were instrumental to the struggle for freedom, but they also sang songs that were written long before many were born.
The mood was jubilant and sparks of patriotism filled the hall that was packed beyond capacity. The campus police also worked hard to maintain conducive environment for learning as the UMass students were busy revising for their final exams.
Addressing an estimated crowd of 600 attendees, Hon. Ambassador Elikanah Odembo, who was the chief guest of honor, was excited to see the many Kenyans who had come to receive him. He candidly spoke on the need for unity among all Kenyans irrespective of their tribe because this will be the way forward to healing and re-building a united Kenyan community in Boston area as well as in Kenya.
He regretted that he has in the past been called by some section of leaders who had tribal agendas yet they claimed that they were inviting him to address Kenyans. This caused laughter because majority of the attendants were well informed on the matter that saw two prominent Kenyan government representatives dock at the Bay State to hold parallel meetings only 40 miles apart.
He encouraged Kenyans to be more active in matters of Community Development that would help improve the counties represented in the celebrations. Saying that U.S 10 dollars could amount to a large sum of money if pulled into a fund that would help buy desks for local schools, the Ambassador challenged the leader to rally the community abroad to such progressive agendas instead of fighting each other.
He promised that his office at the hill would be ready to work on such issues in a transparent manner and assured people that such money would be used appropriately to the last cent. In another development, Hon. Odembo said that the Kenyan government appreciates the contributions made by the Kenyans in the Diaspora to sustain the economy.
Such contributions include remitting of money for development purposes as well as helping their individual families. These contributions have now exceeded the revenues earned from Tourism, which was once the pillar of the Kenyan economy. He said that his office would be willing to help many people who have in the past found themselves victims as a result of scams if they have concrete information on such matters. Saying that the new constitution was the best thing for Kenya, he encouraged people to read it and understand it fully.
He was optimistic that parliament would move fast to fully implement the new constitution so that Kenyans can enjoy the fruits of their long struggle. It was a long evening, yet people were full of hope for a brighter and a more prosperous nation.
Those interviewed by www.samrack.com were optimistic that come next year, the New England church leaders and the Kenya Pastors Fellowship, the Ambassador’s council alongside other raising stars of the Kenyan community in New England would work together to ensure that the celebrations would be held under one roof without planning for parallel meetings.
MORE Photos below A young and vibrant community leader, and a promising International Evangelist felt that while pastors have a right as private citizens to participate in such gatherings, it is out of order for them to be on the forefront of organizing such matters. He regretted that this scenario was disheartening and called upon the youth and other patriotic Kenyans to ensure that the buck rests with them. He called the whole lack of unity and genuine leadership “a mess” and said dialogue should be given a chance to chart the way forward in the days ahead to ensure that this act does not repeat itself come next year. “While the numbers may be a measure of success, we will have failed Kenyans next year if two parallel meetings will be held again next year on Jamhuri Day,” he said. Story by Mr. Jamleck Kiki Wairimu B.A Communications-Public Relations, MBA-Marketing The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of samrack.com
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