King Charles III, Queen arrive at Uhuru Gardens

King Charles III and Queen Camilla have arrived at the iconic Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum in Nairobi.

Midday saw the King lay a wreath at the Tomb of Unknown Warriors, joined by Queen Camilla. President William Ruto and his wife, Rachel Ruto, graciously hosted their visit to this historic site.

As part of the solemn tribute, King Charles also tended to a symbolic fig tree (mugumo) within the venue, followed by an insightful tour of the Mashujaa Museum.

While only a select few journalists were permitted to accompany the King while exploring the area, the rest were stationed at a fixed vantage point, capturing the King’s arrival and the wreath-laying ceremony.

The royal visit marks a historic State occasion for Kenya, initiated at the invitation of President William Ruto. The King and Queen arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, commencing their momentous visit.

Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum stands as a commemorative park and museum, celebrating Kenya’s independence from the British Empire on December 12, 1963.

Designated as a National Monument in 1966, the gardens hold immense historical significance. Notably, it marks the birthplace of Kenya’s independence, symbolized by the first hoisting of the Kenyan flag in 1963.

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This expansive site features two monuments dedicated to Kenya’s independence and a symbolic Mugumo tree. The gardens’ significance is encompassed by three key points: The Mugumo tree, representative of where Kenya’s national flag replaced the Union Jack, signifies the country’s independence.

Moreover, the Independence Commemorative Monument, erected in 1973, stands as a twenty-four-meter-high column bearing clasped hands and a dove of peace, commemorating the country’s declaration of independence.

A further point of note is the foundation of the “twenty-five years of Uhuru—peace, love, and unity monument.”

Apart from its historical importance, Uhuru Gardens is set to serve as a venue for diverse events, evolving into a recreational space for families, a key attraction for schools, and increasingly sought after for corporate launches, concerts, weddings, and even film settings.