Members of Kenya’s Rastafari community gathered in Gikambura, Kiambu County, to mark the 95th anniversary of Emperor Haile Selassie I’s coronation, an event revered by followers as a symbol of Africa's spiritual awakening.

Footage shows a vibrant celebration filled with drumming, reggae music, and chants, as attendees dressed in traditional colours of red, gold, and green honoured the Ethiopian emperor’s legacy.

“It’s a great day. He was crowned the titles King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah. Seventy-two nations came together and recognised that truly he is the one,” said community elder Ng’ang’a Njuguna.

Njuguna emphasised that Rastafari is not a religion but a 'livity', a spiritual way of life.

“Through Rastafari, we know how to live with nature, live in peace with one another. We love the environment and engage ourselves in natural activities that can relieve Mother Earth,” he said.

He added that official recognition by the Kenyan government has strengthened the community’s visibility and confidence. Once marginalised and misunderstood, the Rastafari movement gained legal recognition as a religion in 2019, following a landmark court ruling.

Originating in Jamaica in the 1930s, Rastafarianism was inspired by Haile Selassie’s coronation, which followers saw as the fulfilment of prophecy and a sign of divine liberation from colonial rule. The movement spread worldwide through migration, Pan-Africanism, and reggae music, made famous by artists such as Bob Marley.

Follow us on:
WhatsApp cutt.ly/WhatsAppCFM
https://twitter.com/capitalfmkenya/
https://www.facebook.com/capitalfmkenya
https://www.instagram.com/capitalfmkenya

Subscribe to Capital FM News for More: https://goo.gl/um4AGk

98.4 Capital FM
93.0 Western Kenya
98.5 Nakuru and Nyeri
104.5 Malindi
102.7 Garissa
103.9 Meru
106.5 Kitui
104.9 Voi

#CapitalFmKenya #Rasta