Homa Bay: Kenyans React as Residents Fill Stadium at Midnight Ahead of Madaraka Day Celebrations
- A few minutes after midnight, the Raila Odinga Stadium was already packed to capacity ahead of the Madaraka Day celebrations
- Thousands of Homa Bay residents gathered early, braving the night with unmatched energy and patriotism
- Some Kenyans said the excitement in Homa Bay is a clear sign the region is fully behind President William Ruto and Raila Odinga's political deal
Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Homa Bay – Residents have filled the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay county ahead of the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations.
Source: Facebook
Is Raila Odinga Stadium full?
President William Ruto is expected to lead the nation in the celebrations, which come months after his newfound political alliance with the ODM leader, Raila Odinga.
Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner ;)
Ahead of the celebrations, thousands of excited residents spend the night at the stadium, a clear indication of how important the day is to them.
Citizen TV reported that thousands of residents filled the 20,000-capacity stadium to capacity by 12am on Sunday, June 1.
A video from the stadium showed thousands gathered early, braving the night with unmatched energy and patriotism.
The excitement in Homa Bay is electric, and the spirit of Madaraka is alive and well.
Source: Facebook
How Kenyans reacted.
Carol Radull
"Homa Bay’s Raila Odinga Stadium, a 20k seater stadium was packed to capacity 8 minutes to midnight. Who fills a stadium at midnight to spend the night in the cold? 🤔."
Didmus Wekesa Barasa Mutua:
"Let no one dare deceive you with the absurd notion that the feeble duo of @rigathi and the plodding @skmusyoka could ever eclipse the towering might of @RailaOdinga and Williams Ruto at the ballot! This is Homa Bay, roaring with unyielding resolve at 4 a.m. today!"
Coletta Aluda:
""Patriotic citizens from Homabay spent their night outside the Raila Odinga stadium waiting for Madaraka Day."
Paul Vitae
"These people have received a token plus school bus transportation. It happened in Bungoma last year, people were registered and given some cash plus free transportation to the ground."
Paul Mus
"I can't understand this...😢"
Jarunda Jaluth Mambobiad
"The Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay Town is already packed to capacity, a full eight hours before the official start of the Madaraka Day Ceremony. Ruto’s popularity is undeniable. Hii ni clean 3 terms."
@Makiadi:
"Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County ilijaa jana by 11 p.m, na watu wamelala uwanja usiku mzima waiting for today's Madaraka Day celebrations. Hawa sasa ndio real voters. Is there really hope come 2027?"
How will Homa Bay benefit from Madaraka Day
As previously reported, Homa Bay County is hosting Kenya’s 61st Madaraka Day, presenting a significant opportunity for regional development.
Governor Gladys Wanga expressed excitement, highlighting the county’s natural beauty and cultural diversity.
Major projects underway include a KSh 500 million expansion of Raila Odinga Stadium, which will increase its seating capacity from 2,000 to 20,000, alongside improvements to Kabunde Airstrip and local highways aimed at enhancing connectivity.
Governor Wanga expects these initiatives to boost the economy by promoting tourism and creating jobs, especially for young people and women.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
