10 June 2024

• Entertainment at the occasion was provided by Legendary Kenyan musician Makadem and his amazing band.

• Occasionally, the US Independence Day is celebrated on July 4th of every year but this time the Nairobi Edition came early.

On Saturday, June 8, 2024, the US Embassy, Nairobi hosted celebrations for the US Independence Day at the Ambassador’s Residence on the outskirts of the capital city of Kenya.

The Pre-248th Independence Day Celebrations were presided over by the US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman.

According to Ambassador Meg, they opted to hold the celebrations early to accommodate the busy schedule of most of their invited guests.

Occasionally, the US Independence Day is celebrated on July 4th of every year but this time the Nairobi Edition came early.

The invite-only occasion was graced by dignitaries, members of the Fourth Estate, politicians, Ambassadors, and several government officials.

Among those who were present at the event were; Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Former PM Raila Odinga, Former MP Peter Kenneth, MP Opiyo Wandayi, CS Njugina Ndungu, CS Moses Kuria, CS Rebecca Miano, Former Governor Hassan Joho, Ex-MP Raphael Tuju, and Governor Irungu Kang’ata among others.

“I was touched by the expression of friendship between countries at many moments during the visit, from the crowds, waving Americans to the social media buzz around President Ruto's interaction with Shaq O'Neal and Steve Harvey. The visit demonstrated the deep people-to-people ties that are the bedrock of our relationship. Together President Biden and President Ruto made several big wins,” Ambassador Meg Whitman said during her speech.

At the same time, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi acknowledged the US as Kenya’s greatest partner.

“Kenya and the USA are democracies working together For peace, security, and prosperity …America has become a leading actor in global governance. Kenya and the United States of America share warm and cordial relations spanning over half a Century. The diplomatic have continued to expand and deepen,” Mudavadi said in part.

From the creative economy, Kate Actress, Timothy Kimani aka Njugush, Celestine Ndinda aka Wakavinye, Wixx Mangutha, Walter Mangutha, and journalist Seth Olale were also present.

Digital content creator Wixx Mangutha had the biggest highlight of the day after being contracted by the US Embassy in Nairobi to craft a special art to celebrate the 4th of July and Kenya’s 60-year partnership with the United States.

Speaking to Mpasho’s Dennos Milimo, Wixx revealed that the artwork took her at least 2 months to be ready after working around the clock with her team with minimal rest.

“Dreams do come true. For 2 months now, I have worked with super geniuses (Architects, Metal Fabricators, Mathematicians, and Creative Geeks) to make an art vision I had come to life. I've also had fun with Americans and Kenyans recapping the two countries' relationship.

“A big thanks you to the US Embassy KE for calling me to be their Visual Storyteller...on 8th June, we celebrate US and Kenya at 60,” Wixx Mangutha shared before the big day.

At the celebrations, her art was officially launched by Ambassador Meg Whitman and Wixx together with her team were super happy.

“This is a story about a girl who stopped comparing herself to other people and started chasing her wildest dreams. History was made. Ambassador Meg Whitman said to me, "I love it so much! This is incredible ". Super grateful to God...for all the elevation. Very very grateful to the team at the @usembassynairobi, my super amazing partner Mangutha, and the Wixx Studios team for holding my hand through my journey as a Visual Storyteller and through this project. We keep it moving,” Wixx said.