Difference between Huduma and Utamaduni day ; Relation as national events.
On friday, outgoing interior cabinet secretary announced that october 10th will be a national holiday.
Also read Matiang’i declares monday a public holiday
He stated,”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, October 10, 2022, will be a public holiday (Utamaduni Day).”
The notice added,”All citizens are reminded to honour the day by recognizing and celebrating the rich cultural diversity of Kenya in a manner that promotes our unity, national cohesion, and economic progress.”
However, he did not mention if a celebration will be held in honour of the day.
The Difference between Huduma and Utamaduni day
Previously, october 10th was a day to commemorate the late former president, Daniel Moi for his 24 years of service.
Utamaduni day was to be placed on December 26, boxing day. However, according to global laws, an internationally recognised holiday could not be renamed by a specific country.
The Kenyan government therefore resorted to hold Utamaduni Day fon October 10 and erased Huduma Day from its calendar.
In 2019, Utamaduni Day was celebrated on December 26 but was switched to October 10 in 2020 onwards.
Unlike other national holidays where a state celebration is held, Utamaduni day is left for Kenyans to promote peace, cohesion and even cultural diversity.
The controversies over the day started after Moi retired as Kenya’s parliament.
Some people wanted the day scrapped off. Gowever, the court refuted the demands making the day remain a holiday.
Justice Odunga ruled,”I declare that unless and until Parliament amends Schedule 1 of the said Act (Public Holidays Act) or the minister substitutes the same for another date, the 10th of October in each year shall continue being a Public Holiday.”