Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua received praise and cheers from enthusiastic youth as he attended the second edition of the Nairobi Festival at Uhuru Park on Sunday, December 17.
The DP, known to the youth as Riggy G, took the stage by storm alongside Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and did not disappoint as they vibed with the youth and danced to the tune of Gengetone, which took the airwaves by storm.
When given the microphone, the DP commended Governor Sakaja for creating time and space for the youth to come together and experience the culture of the city and the talents of the emerging and celebrated artistes.
For the past year, the DP has been harsh on the governor over his policies on small traders in the city and plans to decongest the CBD, but on Sunday he sounded friendly.
Gachagua urged the governor to consider holding regular entertainment events for the youth, saying it would give them time to socialise and could even lead to long-term relationships.
“This is a good programme and a revolution in the city of Nairobi. For a long time, people in Nairobi have never had an opportunity where they can go and socialise and get to know each other and also these young people can get to know each other, girlfriends and boyfriends can have a good time,” said DP.
“People live in flats and young people have nowhere to meet. We need to have a place for them here in Uhuru Park, where young people can meet, get to know each other, love each other and plan their future”.
Addressing hundreds of young people, the DP urged them to shun alcohol and instead go to places of entertainment where they can mingle with their peers without abusing any form of drugs.
The Governor announced that Uhuru Park will be opened during the Christmas and New Year celebrations and urged families to come and enjoy themselves.
The festival, which started during the Jamhuri Day celebrations, has seen thousands of people turn out over the past five days to enjoy entertainment from local artistes and open doors for vendors to sell their products.
The Nairobi Festival started last year when Governor Sakaja took over the reins, promising to make it an annual event for people to experience the rich culture and vibe of the city.
