Burundian President, First Lady to grace Madaraka day celebrations

Burundi’s president Evariste Ndayishimiye will arrive in Kenya on Monday, ahead of the Madaraka Day celebrations on Tuesday, June 1 at the new Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu County.

Invited as the Chief Guest, he will be accompanied by his wife, First Lady of the Republic of Burundi, Angeline Ndayubaha, for their two-day State visit.

The first lady Margaret Kenyatta will also accompany President Uhuru Kenyatta on his three-day official tour of the Luo Nyanza region, according to a State House communique.

The two will arrive in Kisumu on Sunday, accompanied by national and regional leaders such as Opposition Leader Raila Odinga and Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, among others.

According to the Statement issued on Saturday, during the two-day State visit, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta and her Burundi counterpart Angeline Ndayubaha will participate in a number of programs, the details of which will be shared with the media on a rolling basis.

However, President Kenyatta’s itinerary prior to the event is already jam-packed with visits to complete National Government projects, inspect ongoing initiatives, and launch new projects in Kisumu County and the Nyanza Region.

“On 1st June 2021, His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta will lead the Nation in marking the 59th Madaraka Day Celebrations at the new Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu County,” statement from State House reads.

President Kenyatta’s three-day visit will culminate in Madaraka Day celebrations, with residents urged to remain vigilant, particularly given the fanfare expected to be held in strict accordance with COVID-19 protocols.

“His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta would like to, once again, appeal to all Kenyans to continue observing the Covid-19 containment measures, even as they observe the 58th Madaraka Day Celebrations,” Spokesperson Kanze Dena said on Saturday. “The President particularly appeals to the passionate residents of Kisumu City to give the best account of themselves by avoiding situations that may compromise national efforts against the Covid-19 pandemic,”