The 2025 Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens were a vibrant display of patriotism, colour, and unity as thousands of Kenyan workers gathered to honour their contributions to the nation’s economy.
Amid cheers, performances, and parades, one man stood out—Paul Maina Njenga, a hawker from Murang’a County, whose outfit made entirely from the Kenyan flag colours stole the spotlight.
As early as dawn, workers from all sectors—public, private, and informal—flocked to the venue, with Uhuru Gardens transforming into a sea of corporate uniforms, security regalia, and cultural expressions. From security officers accompanied by sniffer dogs to groups clad in matching company outfits, the energy was electric.
Adding a dose of entertainment and nostalgia, the iconic Vioja Mahakamani crew thrilled the crowds with humorous skits that kept the audience laughing in between official addresses and musical interludes.
Security teams maintained tight control to ensure smooth proceedings as the Head of State arrived to deliver the keynote address, commending Kenyan workers for their resilience and vital role in driving the economy.
But it was Paul Maina Njenga who captured the hearts of many. Dressed head-to-toe in an outfit crafted from fabric in Kenya’s national colours—black, red, green, and white—Njenga became an instant crowd favorite.
Having travelled from Murang’a as early as 5 a.m., the humble hawker said his attire was his personal tribute to the nation and its hardworking citizens.“This is my way of showing love for my country,” Njenga said. “I made this outfit myself because I believe in Kenya, and I want others to feel proud of being Kenyan too.”His patriotism doesn’t stop at his clothes. Njenga’s house, he revealed, is painted in the colours of the Kenyan flag—a bold and enduring statement of national pride.
He called on fellow citizens to embrace their identity and unity as Kenyans, saying, “If we all loved this country just a little more, we’d achieve so much together.”This year’s Labour Day theme, Celebrating Workers as Builders of the Nation, came alive not just through speeches, but through the spirit of the people—best symbolized by Njenga’s colourful homage to Kenya.
As the celebrations ended, one thing was clear: the heartbeat of Kenya lies in its people—and their love for the nation remains unshaken.
