NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto on Friday morning arrived at Nyayo National Stadium to lead the country in marking this year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations, kicking off a day of national ceremony, military display and cultural pageantry.
The President, dressed in a black suit, was received by Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri after his motorcade made the brief drive from State House to the stadium.
He then boarded the ceremonial vehicle for a lap of honour as thousands of Kenyans cheered from the stands.
First Lady Rachel Ruto arrived moments earlier, stepping into the stadium in an Ankara outfit and escorted by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki had also arrived shortly before the Head of State, accompanied by his wife.
He was joined by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi as senior state officials took their positions ahead of the formal programme.
The day’s guest of honour, Ghanaian President John Mahama, arrived shortly before President Ruto and was received by DP Kindiki and PCS Mudavadi.
After completing his lap of honour, President Ruto inspected the guard of honour, taking the salute in a meticulously coordinated military ceremony.
He later greeted dignitaries drawn from the executive, legislature and diplomatic corps.
The National Guard entertained the crowd with a traditional military band performance featuring drums, trumpets and precision marching routines—an annual highlight of the national holiday.
The arrivals and ceremonial activities marked the official start of the 2025 Jamhuri Day celebrations, with President Ruto expected to address the nation later in the day.
