Despite the heat of the day, our Madaraka Day celebrations were, to say the least, successful. The speeches were short and to the point, the music was soothing and reminiscent of our roots and the turn out was impressive.

            The afternoon started off with a speech from the chairman of the Kenya Association of Central Ohio (KACO), Mr. Mwangi Karia, who elaborated on the organizations' objectives and goals. Of most consequence is the unifying component of KACO, not to mention its networking capacity. He advised that this is an organization that would mobilize Kenyans in case of a tragedy, while keeping us all in touch with each other.

 KACO's very own Mr. Ken Dulo then touched further on the subject of unification. He compelled Kenyans to come together, not only in times of tragedy, but also in times of joy. He compared our community to a family, where everyone is different, but together they are strong and solid. He urged those who are in school to stay in school and finish what it is that brought them to the United States.

            Murugi Mutegi, KACO's secretary, then introduced the vice-secretary Chiku Ndegwa, who read a condensed form of President Kibaki's speech in which the President highlighted Kenya's economic growth and what his government was continuing to do to further that growth. Agricultural funding and free primary education was high priority, not to mention the fight against HIV/AIDS. KACO's treasurer, Mr. Kiarie Kimani then presented a surprise gift to a Kenyan nominated for his support of our community. Mr. Ken Dulo received a plaque which thanked him for his efforts in uniting Kenyans and for being the Mwananchi of the Year.

            African music filled the air for the rest of the evening. Traditional drums, which many of us hadn't seen since those days of high school drama and music festivals adorned the stage. The very charismatic and handsome Jabali Africa were simply impressive. They had an uncanny ability to sing and dance to traditional songs from each and every tribe, from Luoland to Pwani. The audience was invited to the stage to katika  with Jabali, and everyone rose to the occasion, including but not limited to the event’s MC,  KACO's own  Jaja Yogo, Kiarie Kimani and National City Vice-President, Linda Opundo.

 For a few hours, we forgot our problems and became one - a Kenyan community thousands of miles from their land. We danced to the familiarity of our music and mingled with our very own regardless of ethnicity. It was simply fantastic. Later that night, KACO hosted a disco at the Motel 8 on Oleantagy. Various DJs like O’Deny, Peter Kirigiti joined Mike Dngush in showing their talents in a variety of music, and people danced till the wee hours of the morning.

To Jabali, keep on playing our music and never let it die; To KACO, thank you for making this possible; To Kenyans thank you for your support. We'll see you at the 2nd Annual Madaraka Day celebrations in 2006.