The 62nd edition of the Madaraka Day was marked with memorable moments as the event was held in Homa Bay for the very first time in history.
There was inevitable excitement among Homa Bay residents ahead of the event, as tens of Kenyans went to the lengths of spending the night inside the venue to increase their odds of witnessing the historic event on Sunday, June 1.
Despite some chaos which left journalists injured and threatened to derail the occasion, the event was largely successful and marked with some iconic moments from performers to the dignitaries present.
As it has been tradition, the Kenya Police Service filled the day with pomp and colour, delivering a flawless parade which set the tone for the festivities.
Performers at the event also exhibited the country's rich culture and patriotism through memorable performances.
Several high-profile leaders graced the occasion, including ODM Party leader Raila Odinga and President of the Republic of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar, whose attendance underscored Kenya’s growing diplomatic ties.
During the musical performances, President Ruto excited the crowd alongside his Slovenian counterpart as they broke into dance in what was a unique show of cultural appreciation.
At some point during the event, gates were reopened, allowing for hundreds more eager citizens to grace the event after the venue was initially cordoned off after getting filled to capacity.
During her speech, Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga expressed appreciation to the President for the historic occasion, which she claimed cemented the inclusivity agenda of the Kenya Kwanza government.
"Your excellency, for the first time, the people of Homabay are not merely following this national celebration in the media; they are experiencing it firsthand," Wanga said.
"We are grateful that just 6 months ago, you pledged to complete the expansion of our stadium. Today, we proudly unveil a 12,000 seater capacity, canopy-covered stadium, the expansion of Kabunde airstrip, the dualling of our main highway and the upgrading of various roads in Homabay town. These developments are a testament to your commitment to keeping promises."
