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Monday, August 5, 2013

NAI NI WHO GRAND FINALE BRINGS NAIROBI CITY TO A STANDSTILL…


“NAI NI WHO? NAI NI SISI… (NAIROBI IS WHO? NAIROBI IS US!)”

This past weekend marked the grand finale of the Nai Ni Who Festival- a festival that began on may and that sought to celebrate our neighborhoods and explore the Nairobian identity.


Meeting point for the start of the C.B.D parade was at Uhuru Park and youth groups; fans and friends of Nai Ni Who Festival; braced the cold for the carnival.

With two great bands leading; the Kenya Police Band and the Salvation Army Band; song, dance and merriment marked the boisterous parade that proudly wound its way around the city avenues and roads.



From Uhuru Park to Haile Selassie Avenue; through to Uhuru Highway; the parade made its way and not even the angry A.F.C Leopards heading to Nakuru for a match could stop us-this was our day!

With color; pomp and swag; we boldly walked to Moi Avenue and to Koinange Street. It was our day and we made a bold statement about it. The traffic police ensured our safety. They at times stopped traffic to just allow us through.

From Koinange we met with Moi Avenue through the Nakumatt Lifestyle stretch; and into Kenyatta Avenue before making our way to Uhuru Park.

Nairobi literally came to a standstill with people breaking off from their normal and busy routine to catch a glimpse of the loud parade. Those at high buildings peeped through their windows. Many took time to stand and take pictures and enjoy the XYZ puppets so president Uhuru; Deputy Ruto; former president Mwai Kibaki and Martha Karua.





The Mcee for the day was comedian Chippukizzey who entertained with his wits and funny jokes. The crowd was treated to great live music from Juliani; Juacali and Kidum. The event also saw other upcoming artists from different neighborhoods perform.

Later in the evening; organizers; volunteers, partners and the friends of  NAI NI WHO were treated to a sumptuous dinner at the Sarova Stanley; in appreciation and recognition of their support and valuable contribution.

The festival officially came to a close Saturday august 3rd and with many still talking about it; and what it has done; it was indeed a worthy and necessary festival. It made us stop; think and appreciate what we have as Nairobians and who we are!

So the word went out that not again will anyone define Nairobi for us; that was very clear- let NAIROBI DEFINE HERSELF!












-CATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS VIA FACEBOOK: NAI NI WHO; TWITTER:@NAINIWHO or by visiting www.nainiwho.com


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