Thousands camp overnight as Homa Bay hosts historic Madaraka Day celebrations

Security agencies struggled to control the swelling crowds, as attendees trooped in throughout the night, turning the stadium into a sea of eager faces well before dawn. By 10:00 p.m., the terraces were already packed. By 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, it was survival for the fittest—some attendees were even seated on the stadium floor.

Among them was Meshack Wasonga, a resident of Homa Bay, who said he arrived as early as 8:00 p.m. to avoid missing out on the celebrations.

"Nilifika hapa saa mbili usiku. Nilikuja mapema kwa sababu niliogopa sitapata nafasi kwa sababu ya umati wa watu," he explained, underscoring the intense demand for seats.

The anticipation was heightened by a night of non-stop entertainment. Gordon Otieno, another local resident, said the festivities kept spirits high through the night.

"Tangu jana kumekuwa na burudani. Kulikuwa na watu wa drama na muziki. Sijui hata iliisha saa ngapi, nilipata tu imefika asubuhi," he said with a smile.

This marked the first time Homa Bay County hosted a national holiday since independence. For many, the moment was deeply symbolic—an affirmation that their region was finally taking its place on the national stage.

"Nimekuja hapa kuona Rais. Amefanya kazi kubwa sana. Tunasukuru na tunatoa asante," said George Omollo, one of the residents who endured the long wait to witness the President’s address.

Joseph Omolo, who also arrived the night before, said he was motivated by a desire to witness government commitment to grassroots development.

"Nilifika hapa saa mbili kuja kuskia Rais akiongea. Nimefurahi. Tangu hii broad-based government ianze, maendeleo imeanza kufika kwa kaunti yetu kabisa."

As the military parade and entertainment programs concluded, security teams eased entry restrictions, allowing even more citizens to join in the celebrations from outside the stadium.

After nearly nine hours of waiting, song, and speeches, residents expressed optimism that the promises made during the Madaraka Day celebrations—especially on economic empowerment—would be delivered by both levels of government.