The Stockholm Jamhuri celebration that was held yesterday at Scandic Hotel went on without incident. Tension that had built up between the Embassy and Kenyans who had not been invited with cards was eased by a cordial atmosphere that was marked by the absence of security guards at the entrance. In fact, nobody showed their cards and it was impossible to know who had no card.
The Kenyan Ambassador Mrs Purity Muhindi, flanked by her husband Dr. J.K Muhindi, received visitors at the door by shaking their hands and ushering them into the spacious reception room where snacks and drinks of all descriptions were spread on tables with ready waiters taking orders.
ODM-K Scandinavia supporters walked into the function without hindrance and they mingled with other Kenyans freely. Majority of the revelers were however members of the diplomatic community.
The most prominent Kenyan who graced the occasion was Mr. Mwandawiro Mghanga, MP for Wundanyi, who took time to update himself with the situation in Stockholm. Mwandawiro exchanged views with other Kenyans as he briefed them about the political situation on the ground in Kenya. He however regretted the fact that there were no speeches and that people who were present could not be reminded why they were at the function. He hoped that the situation would improve in the future.
Mr. Joe Frans, an African MP from the Social Democratic Party, was also present to show solidarity with Kenyans during their national day. Kenyans and friends debated at the individual level about Kenyan politics, the situation in the country, the coming elections, the state of the Kenyan embassy in Stockholm, political parties in Stockholm, the role of Kenya Stockholm Blog within the Kenyan community and many other topics. St James, a prominent Kenyan musician also arrived in style although he played a low profile and later left quietly.
Majority of people were smartly dressed and one could think that there was a “dressing competition” especially among the ladies, some of whom had “dressed to kill”. You could not miss the glitter of jewels and sophisticated chains hanging delicately around necks of different shapes and sizes as streams of conversations filled the air.
Kenyans who are well known for not putting on luxurious suits suddenly emerged with an assortment of breath-taking collections, complete with shiny pairs of shoes and neck ties. One could think that they were on their way to Arlanda International Airport to attend a conference in London.
Digital Cameras flashed freely as pictorial documentations continued throughout the occasion. Those who had armed themselves with contacts cards dished them out like Christmas presents at the slightest provocation while those who were still lagging behind in this age of information technology scribbled their contacts on pieces of papers.
Kenyans who were running some kind of business did not hesitate to talk about the “business situation” and the expected Christmas boom. Others pontificated about looming trips to Kenya.
You could take a picture with anybody although there was competition to pose with MP Mwandawiro Mghanga and Ambassador Purity Muhindi who both appeared to have had no problems in dealing with the situation. KSB was never left behind and some shots were taken for the blog.
After the function, some Kenyans remained behind at the Hotel to extend the celebration as KSB crew rushed to bang a story for readers.
Okoth Osewe. makosewe@gmail.com
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