Old Mutual Building On Fire & 2 Events That Defined New Year's Eve 2023
In just one night, the country turned its attention to President William Ruto's New Year message, Christina Shusho's concert and the rare matter of the Old Mutual Towers in Nairobi fire incident that happened just moments after the exhilarating fireworks show.
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If you're just waking up now and reading this article, then you know by now that New Year's Eve 2023 was a movie in Kenya.
In just one night, the country turned its attention to President William Ruto's New Year message, Christina Shusho's concert and the rare matter of the Old Mutual Towers in Nairobi fire incident that happened just moments after the exhilarating fireworks show.
Viral Tea takes a look at three events that sparked conversation on New Year's Eve:
Old Mutual Tower on fire
Old Mutual Towers in Nairobi's Upperhill area has always been a hotspot for Nairobi residents in an era where watching fireworks shows for free in the city has become a norm these days.
As this writer observed when he visited the viewing area, high activity was witnessed with the road leading up to the towers closed and a mini concert held as Kenyans waited to be treated with all manner of fireworks displays. Then, a headline maker happened.
A photo of Old Mutual Towers Building engulfed in flames during the New Year Celebrations on January 1, 2024. /PHOTO
The building on Sunday, December 31, 2023, caught fire during the New Year's celebrations, hours after the government issued a warning regarding Kenyans intending to hold fireworks displays without permits.
The otherwise exciting fireworks display show was followed by smoke engulfing the air before huge flames were spotted at the top of the building.
"We acknowledge there was a minor incident after the New Year Fireworks celebration at the Old Mutual Tower. This was on the balcony of a top floor and it has since been contained," the statement read in part.
"We thank all our celebrants for the notifications and we wish you all a Happy 2024."
The occurrence went viral on social media and despite there being no reported injuries, experts investigated the fire for future lessons as there were fears that it would spread to other upper floors and cause more damage.
The State Department for Mining on Saturday, December 30 cautioned Kenyans on handling fireworks as any careless handling has the potential to turn into a serious accident, trigger fire outbreaks, cause loss of property and even deaths.
Christina Shusho's Figure-Hugging Black Dress At Highly Anticipated Concert
Tanzanian gospel artiste Christina Shusho became the centre of attention during her New Year concert owing to her satin black dress which excited fans online and offline as it accentuated her curves.
After Kenyans demanded that she hold a Crossover concert, she performed on December 31 at Garden City Mall in Nairobi which coincided with the comedy show hosted by the iconic comedian Daniel 'Churchill' Ndambuki. The concert was a success, with Shusho's fans flocking to the event to see her epic performance.
Shusho did not disappoint her fans, as she showed up on stage stylishly when she shut down the event. She had a change of three pieces of outfit as well as well-done makeup and covered herself with the Kenyan flag.
However, netizens questioned the figure-hugging black dress and wondered if it satisfied the standards of a gospel musician of her calibre.
Screengrabs of Christina Shusho's body-hugging dress at her concert on December 31, 2023. /TUKO.CO.KE
"Hii dress nka alibuy Kenya coz (She probably bought this dress in Kenya because) she has never failed us when it comes to dressings."
"Hiyo dress inachoma gospel artist aifai ukweli isemwe acheni (The dress is ruining the reputation of gospel artists, the truth must be said)," the comments read.
The event not only featured the soul-stirring performances of Christina Shusho but also showcased the incredible talents of artists such as Solomon Mkubwa, Mercy Masika, and the Zablon singers.
Adding a touch of humour to the mix, comedians Tom Daktari, Nicki Bigfish, Terrence Creative, and his wife Milly Chebby brought laughter and joy to the audience, making it a night filled with diverse entertainment.
Ruto Stings Raila In New Year's Message
President Ruto used the New Year's message at the State Lodge in Nakuru County to rip into the opposition for jeopardising the government agenda by derailing and sabotaging the delivery of public programs.
He also accused the opposition of spreading division, conflict and anarchy in the country, blaming individuals with selfish interests for the numerous petitions filed in court against his policies
"You will agree with me that there is something fundamentally wrong with the opposition without any viable alternative whose only purpose is division, conflict and anarchy. There is something wrong with litigations sponsored by hostage-taking vested interests with the sole aim of delaying, derailing and sabotaging the delivery of public programs and defeating public interest.
"Time and time again, Kenyans have clearly and manifestly demonstrated their devotion to pursuing opportunities for progress by voting for progressive policies, as they did in the last election," Ruto hit out at the opposition led by Raila Odinga.
The head of state observed that most in the country are focused on what would spur the country to greatness, something he believed was hindered by various leaders for years who wanted to maintain the status quo by excluding many and benefitting a handful
"Kenyans are ready to propel their nation to greatness. What has held them back is a leadership invested in the status quo which excludes the majority to only benefit a few.
"A politics comfortable with keeping millions in want and indignity to preserve the illegitimate privileges of a few and a resultant institutional system in which the disenfranchisement of ordinary people is the yardstick of public policy," the president added.
This was seen as a response to Raila's threats to instigate fresh anti-government protests in 2024 if Ruto's government did not revoke punitive taxes as well as the Finance Act, which have been blamed for the rising cost of living in the country.
"We told them not to increase taxes but they went ahead and raised the taxes, worsening the situation. These taxes must be revoked, the Finance Act must be removed. If they don't we will return to the streets in 2024," said Raila while speaking in Nyanza on December 30, 2023.
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