In a gazette notice dated May 8, Kindiki said the public holiday is aimed at showing solidarity with people adversely affected by cyclic floods and droughts in recent times.
President William Ruto earlier announced the gazettement at State House Nairobi during a meeting with grassroots leaders from Kajiado Central and Laikipia North.
State House said the President announced that on the same day, an extensive tree-planting programme will be launched to conserve and restore the environment and begin to reverse the challenges of climate change.While planting trees the Veteran trade unionist Francis Atwoli gave Kenyans a glimpse of his Kajiado home compound with lush trees, according to a source, Atwoli is a man of means, owns numerous luxurious homes.
His wife, Mary Kilobi, a journalist, often offers glimpses of their stately homes in Kajiado, Kakamega and Kilifi counties.
The peace in Atwoli’s home was evident as birds chirped. The home features expansive lush gardens that can accommodate hundreds of people.Set on an expansive 50-acre ranch approximately 60 kilometres from Nairobi on the main Nairobi-Namanga highway a taxi ride from Kajiado town would set you back a tidy Sh3,000.
Atwoli’s home is fast transforming itself into Kenya’s new Ichaweri, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta’s Gatundu residence where political careers were made or annihilated, or more recently, Kabarak, the late Mzee Moi’s residence in Nakuru where many a politician’s loyalty was measured and those found wanting sent to oblivion.
Atwoli has served in Cotu as Secretary General for 23 years after he was elected in 2001. Speaking, Atwoli said it is not up to him to decide when to retire.