Thousands of Homa Bay residents on Saturday, May 31, flocked into the Raila Odinga stadium ahead of the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations.
The 20,000-seat stadium was filled to capacity by midnight, with hundreds of residents who couldn't get in camping outside.
The Homa Bay locals had started queuing as early as 7 pm, and police officers were compelled to open the gates at around 9:30 pm.
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Photos and videos seen by nairobileo.co.ke showed the stadium filled to the brim with other locals lined up outside the gates.
President William Ruto is expected to grace the Madaraka Day celebrations at Raila Odinga stadium, flanked by senior government officials and politicians.
Slovenia's President Nataša Pirc Musar, who is in the country on a state visit, is also expected to attend the function.
This year’s Madaraka Day is under the theme “Harnessing Kenya’s Blue Economy for Sustainable Growth”.
This is the first time the Madaraka Day Celebration has been held in Homa Bay since independence.
The decision to host the event in Homa Bay was announced on February 27, 2025, shifting from an earlier plan to hold it in Kitui County.
On Saturday, Government Spokesperson Issac Mwaura stated that the decision to host the Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay was due to its strategic location on the shores of Lake Victoria, making it an ideal venue that aligns with the event's theme.
"The selection of Homa Bay county, with its proximity to Lake Victoria, is intentional and symbolic. It underscores our commitment to leveraging the extensive opportunities within our lakes, rivers, and coastal waters," Mwaura said.
The Government Spokesperson also announced that Homa Bay town had undergone major infrastructural upgrades in readiness for the occasion.
Mwaura said over 35 kilometers of roads have been constructed, and the Kabunde Airstrip has been upgraded.
