The country will no longer host public functions to commemorate the demise of founding father Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, his son and President Uhuru Kenyatta has said.
For 41 years, taxpayers have been funding annual anniversaries to commemorate the octogenarian, who died in August 1978 at State House in Mombasa.
While leading the 41st anniversary on Thursday at Holy Family Basilica, Uhuru asked Kenyans to commemorate Mzee Kenyatta in their own way.
The President said that the decision was reached at after intensive consultations among members of Mzee Kenyatta's family.
“After consulting with the Kenyatta family, we have decided that this will be the last memorial service. From now on, we can all remember him in our own way,” President Uhuru said.
“We are not just here to remember the man; we are also here to remember what he stood for and what he gave his life for.Leadership is not about where you are from but a desire to serve and make a difference,” he said.
The state has been supporting the event, with guests always treated with honour and dignity while attending the function at Parliament.
During the Thursday's function, Mama Ngina Kenyatta and Uhuru's younger brother Muhoho Kenyatta also spoke, remembering the life of Mzee Kenyatta.