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Kenya @ 50 Celebrations 2013


In 1948, Gurudev Muktajeevan Swamibapa blessed the African continent by setting foot on the Kenyan soil. This was 15 years before Kenya got its independence from the British Government. When Kenya became independent on Thursday, 12 th December 1963, Muktajeevan Swamibapa was present in Kenya for the fifth time. Exactly 50 years later, on Thursday, 12th of December 2013, devotees of the Swaminarayan Gadi residing in Nairobi are being blessed by the presence of His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree.

A trio of events is being celebrated this year - Completion of 65 years since Muktajeevan Swamibapa first stepped on the soils of Africa, 50th anniversary of Kenyan independence and Acharya Swamishree's 25th visit to Kenya. Thus, devotees arranged themselves forming the digits 65, 50 and 25.

On 12th December 2013, after Mangla niyams, Acharya Swamishree along with the sant mandal and devotees gathered in the temple hall to celebrate Jamhuri Day. The celebrations started off with the arrival of Guest of Honour Mr.Obed Anjele Ochuacho-Manager (P.A) of the Westlands Constituency, who was escorted into the temple by H.H.Swamibapa Pipe Band. Acharya Swamishree performed the flag raising ceremony as the band played the National Anthem Of Kenya. Thereafter, Acharya Swamishree cut a cake and devotees performed folk dances on local Kenyan tunes; ‘Karibuni Kenya' and ‘Daima Kenya'. Mr. Obed Anjele Ochuacho in his speech said that he was truly humbled and happy to experience Kenyan vibe expressed by the congregation.

After 50 Years of Independence, Kenyans feel nothing but proud of their country. “Pamoja Twasonga Mbele” (together we will move forward).