Thousands of Homa Bay residents thronged the Raila Odinga Stadium to spend the night at the venue, ahead of the Madaraka Day celebration.
The residents rushed into the newly refurbished stadium shortly after the gates opened at around 9.30pm to grab their seats early enough.
In videos seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the residents, drawn from all demographics, were seen running through the pitch and onto the bleachers
Reportedly, within three minutes of the gates opening, the 20,000-capacity stadium was almost filled to capacity, while thousands of others still lined up outside the gates.
Leaders, especially those aligned with the government, took to social media to share the images, reverberating the broad-based spirit in the once mostly opposition region.
At around midnight, area MP Peter Kaluma took to social media to welcome Kenyans to Homa Bay for the celebrations, but stated that the stadium was already full.
"Madaraka Day 2025 is here! Welcome to Homa Bay – though the Stadium is already full," his statement read.
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, for instance, slighted former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka over their efforts to
"Let no one dare deceive you with the absurd notion that the feeble duo of Rigathi Gachagua and the plodding Kalonzo Musyoka could ever eclipse the towering might of Raila Odinga and William Ruto at the ballot!" he stated.
"This is Homa Bay, roaring with unyielding resolve at 4am today!"
President William Ruto is expected to grace the stadium on Sunday to lead the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations, flanked by his ally Raila Odinga.
The two have been buddied up since signing a Memorandum of Understanding in February, with the long-term opposition leader finally getting his seat at the big table.
