How Murang’a residents celebrated 'Vuka Mwaka' at Ihura Stadium

The crowd filled the stadium long before midnight. By early Wednesday evening, Ihura Stadium in Murang'a had turned into a vibrant scene of colours, sounds, and movement.

Residents arrived for the annual "Vuka Mwaka" celebrations, eager to welcome the New Year together.

From the main stage to the open grounds, music pulsed through loudspeakers. Dancers and residents joined in as revellers waved their handkerchiefs, sang along, and recorded the moment on their phones.

Praise and thanksgiving sessions stood out that night. Many in the crowd reflected on the past year and expressed hope for what 2026 would bring.

At that moment, there were no strangers. We were all families united by the simple desire to welcome a new beginning.

Vendors were already counting their blessings as they moved through the packed stadium. Performers kept the energy high, transforming the event into a shared community experience rather than just a concert.

The celebration, sponsored by Kubamba in partnership with the Glow Festival, attracted residents from all over Murang'a County. This underscored the 'Vuka Mwaka' tradition as a key New Year's Eve festival in the region.

As the countdown began, excitement surged through the crowd. When the clock struck midnight, cheers erupted, and a spectacular 15-minute fireworks display lit up the night sky above Ihura Stadium, casting colourful lights on the amazed faces of the residents.

For many, it was the perfect symbol of renewal, signalling a bright future full of promise.

By the time the fireworks faded, the message was clear: Murang’a had welcomed 2026 not in silence but in song, dance, and togetherness. Proof that, even in uncertain times, community remains a strong reason to celebrate.