A huge crowd of residents from Homa Bay gathered at the Raila Odinga Stadium on Saturday night, choosing to spend the night there in anticipation of the Madaraka Day celebrations.
The gates to the newly renovated stadium were opened at around 9:30 p.m., prompting thousands of excited residents to rush inside and secure their seats early.
Eager to be part of the big event, people from all age groups—men, women, and children—ran across the field and climbed into the stands to get the best viewing spots.
Footage shared online and seen by Newshub.co.ke showed massive crowds flooding the stadium, reflecting the excitement and pride felt by locals.
In just under three minutes after the gates opened, the 20,000-seater facility was nearly full. Outside, many more people were still lining up, hoping to get in.
The event stirred political conversations as well. Several leaders affiliated with the current government posted pictures of the crowds on social media, calling it a show of unity in a region that has traditionally been considered an opposition stronghold.
By midnight, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma also went online to welcome people to the celebrations, but announced that the stadium had already filled to capacity.
“Madaraka Day 2025 is finally here! Karibuni Homa Bay — although the stadium is already full,” Kaluma posted.
Other leaders also joined the online conversations. Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa used the moment to aim political jabs at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
He downplayed their influence, claiming they could not match the political power and popularity of Raila Odinga and President William Ruto.
“Don’t let anyone mislead you with the idea that the weak pairing of Rigathi Gachagua and the slow-moving Kalonzo Musyoka can ever compare to the strong alliance of Raila Odinga and William Ruto,” Barasa stated.
“This is Homa Bay, fired up and full of unstoppable energy, even at 4 a.m. today!”
President Ruto is expected to lead the official Madaraka Day celebrations at the stadium on Sunday. He will be joined by Raila Odinga, who, after years in the opposition, has now entered into a working relationship with the government.
The two leaders have been closely aligned since signing a Memorandum of Understanding in February, marking a new chapter in Kenya’s political scene.
The unity between Ruto and Raila has sparked interest across the country, especially in regions that once heavily supported the opposition.
The Madaraka Day celebration in Homa Bay not only symbolizes national pride but also a new era of political partnerships and unity.
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