Homa Bay: 2 Arrested as over 100 Phones Go Missing During Madaraka Day at Raila Odinga Stadium
- What began as a landmark Madaraka Day celebration in Homa Bay turned sour for many after over 100 mobile phones and personal items were stolen at Raila Odinga Stadium
- Two suspects were arrested, and police recovered 12 phones and a wallet, with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) taking over the probe
- The theft occurred mainly at night as crowds surged into the venue, as thieves reportedly blended in, causing distractions near the gates to target unsuspecting attendees
- Journalists were among the victims, including a Nation Media Group correspondent who lost his phone and another who lost a laptop
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Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
What was set to be a historic and festive Madaraka Day celebration in Homa Bay turned chaotic for many attendees after more than 100 mobile phones were stolen.
Source: Facebook
Other valuables were also reported to have been stolen by marauding gangs during the event at Raila Odinga Stadium.
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Authorities have arrested two suspects and recovered 12 phones and a wallet linked to the mass thefts.
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A report by Citizen Digital reveals that the thefts occurred mainly at night as crowds surged into the venue.
With thousands gathered for Kenya’s 62nd Madaraka Day, the first ever held in Homa Bay, opportunistic criminals reportedly used confusion at the stadium's entry points to steal from attendees.
Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem confirmed the arrest of the two suspects and said the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had taken over the case.
How did thieves take advantage of Madaraka Day?
The thieves blended into the crowd, creating physical disturbances near the gates that caused panic and distraction.
Amid the jostling, victims found themselves missing phones, money, or identification documents by the time they entered the stadium.
Among the victims was Nation Media Group’s Homa Bay correspondent, George Odiwuor, who lost his phone while trying to access the venue.
Another journalist lost a laptop in a similar incident at a separate gate. Both losses were reported to the police.
Source: Facebook
The two suspects were arrested after officers found them in possession of 12 mobile phones and a wallet during post-event security sweeps.
Investigators are working to match the recovered items with those reported stolen and to determine whether the suspects were part of a larger syndicate in the area.
Koilem urged those who lost their phones or personal effects during the event to report to the nearest police station, especially if they believe their items may be among those recovered.
How was Madaraka Day soiled?
As earlier reported, during the 2025 Madaraka Day celebrations at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay, at least four journalists were reportedly assaulted by police officers despite possessing valid media accreditation.
Among the injured were Steve Okedi of KTN, Marble Achieng of NTV, and Ephantus Maina of Royal Media Services, who sustained leg injuries from baton strikes.
Achieng recounted that, despite their accreditation, they were pushed and beaten by the officers.
The attacks have sparked outrage among media practitioners and press freedom advocates, prompting calls for swift action and accountability.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
