Matiang'i Declares Public Holiday

Matiang'i noted that the day will be set aside for Kenyans to celebrate Utamaduni Day.

Matiang'i Declares Public Holiday
Interior Cabinet Secretary, Fred Matiang'i. /FILE

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has announced that Monday, October 10 is a public holiday.

In a statement on Friday, October 7, Matiang'i noted that the day will be set aside for Kenyans to celebrate Utamaduni Day.

"In line with Section 2 (1) and 4 and Part One of the Schedule of Public Holidays Act (Cap 110), and pursuant to the declaration of the High Court of 6th November 2017 (Judicial Review 292 of 2017: Republic vs Cabinet Secretary for Internal Security ex parte Gragory Oriaro Nyauchi & four others), it is hereby notified that Monday, 10th October 2022, will be a public holiday (Utamaduni Day)," the statement read in part.

All citizens are reminded to recognise and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of Kenya in a manner that promotes our unity, national cohesion, and economic progress.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i attends a cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto at State House on Tuesday, September 27, 2022. /PSCU

Utamaduni Day is a public holiday in Kenya observed on October 10 every year to celebrate the country’s rich cultural diversity and heritage.

Previously it was celebrated to honour the late Daniel Arap Moi, who was the former president of Kenya. Until 2020, this holiday was called Moi Day before it was renamed Huduma Day, and then Utamaduni Day in December 2020.

A past statement from the President’s Strategic Communication Unit (PSCU) revealed that the renaming of the national holiday was in line with former President Moi's desire that the day should be commemorated as a day of service and volunteerism.

The day will be observed through national prayers that will highlight service and volunteerism to the community. Kenyans are encouraged to participate in the prayers and promote national unity, social justice, cohesion and sustainable development in their communities for the benefit of present and future generations. 

Moi Day was taken off the list of Kenya's national holidays following the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya in August 2010. However, it was reinstated in 2017 following a ruling by the Supreme court, which reversed the decision of the Parliament.

Justice George Odunga said the 2010  nullification of Moi Day was a contravention of the Public Holidays Act, adding that if Parliament was of the view that Moi Day ought not to continue being considered as a public holiday, they should have amended the Act accordingly.

"I declare that unless and until Parliament amends Schedule 1 of the said Act or the minister substitutes the same for another date, the 10th of October in each year shall continue being a Public Holiday."

The judge added that the said Parliament had been wrong for not making amendments and forcing Kenyans to "toil on a day the law expressly directs to be a public holiday amounts to a violation of their rights unless the exception in section 5 of the Public Holiday Acts applies".

This might be the last time Matiang'i declares a holiday if the nomination of former Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki's nomination by President William Ruto to take his place in the Interior docket is approved by the National Assembly.

This will also be President Ruto's first national holiday since ascending to power.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta hands over the instruments of power to Kenya's fifth President William Ruto at Kasarani Stadium. /TWITTER