Busia County Commissioner Moses Ole Tialal shakes hand with Nakuru County Choir at the close of the Jamhuri Day fete at the Busia County Stadium on Tuesday. [Photo/Busia County Government]The low turnout recorded during the 54th Jamhuri Day Celebrations at Busia County Stadium on Tuesday has riled Busia County Commissioner Michael Ole Tialal.
Speaking after reading President Uhuru Kenyatta's official speech that lasted one hour, the County Commissioner said attending public holidays was one's own volition.
He disagreed with Burumba Ward MCA Moses Ochieng who attributed the low turnout to the Commissioner's failure to invite MCAs who could in turn marshal members of the public to attend.
"Kenyans of all walks of life know that there are three public holidays in Kenya including Madaraka, Mashujaa, and Jamhuri. It is ironical that the MCA wants us to invite them on the days that are known to everybody. In any case, we even don't print invitation cards. I regret today that the turnout for this important day in the country's history is very poor. This is a clear indication that our patriotism is very low. This day is not for Jubilee, Nasa or for politicians but it is for all Kenyans. We don't take such days with the importance it deserves," he said.
Tialal said the Jamhuri Day fete is to remember those who sacrificed their lives to liberate the country, who sacrificed their lives to liberate our country from colonial York.
He appealed to all residents of the county to live in peace, saying tribalism has destroyed some countries, thus the need for unity.
"If you did not succeed in politics there is tomorrow and another day and lady luck will smile on you. Our children need to get Kenya intact and not fragmented," he said.