What was meant to be a proud and celebratory moment during Kenya’s Jamhuri Day festivities turned into fear and confusion for residents of Nairobi West after a low-flying military jet caused damage to homes and businesses near Nyayo Stadium.

Military flypasts have long been a centrepiece of national celebrations, thrilling crowds as fighter jets and helicopters demonstrate the Kenya Defence Forces’ air power and readiness.

On Friday, December 12, 2025, however, the flyover during the Jamhuri Day celebrations took an alarming turn when one of the jets flew unusually low over the stadium and surrounding residential areas.

Witnesses at Nyayo Stadium say the jet’s roar was louder and closer than expected, momentarily interrupting the celebrations attended by President William Ruto and other dignitaries. The unexpected intensity sparked panic, with many spectators ducking instinctively as the aircraft thundered overhead.

The impact was felt most strongly in Nairobi West, where residents reported shattered windows, cracked walls, and frightened families scrambling for safety. Some households say the blast from the jet was so powerful that glass broke without warning, leaving costly damage behind.

Many residents insist that while they understand the importance of military displays during national celebrations, what happened on Jamhuri Day was far from normal. They say previous flypasts have never caused such destruction, raising questions about safety procedures and flight altitude.

One Nairobi West resident described the moment of panic and confusion that followed the flyover.

“Imagine out of the blue you suddenly hear some big noises and some glasses break suddenly out of the blue. Generally, there was no damage health-wise but it cost people a lot to repair the glasses and so on,” Basabra Basabra said.

Residents say the fear was not just about broken property but the sudden sense of danger in what should have been a joyful national moment. Parents rushed to check on their children, while others fled their homes, thinking something catastrophic had happened.

Basabra added that the incident robbed the community of the joy usually associated with Jamhuri Day.

“We want people to consider the safety procedures because this damage was caused by jets flying lower than expected. We hope our government considers the damages and compensates us for what happened. People were frightened instead of being happy because it was a day of celebration,” he said.

As residents begin repairs, calls for government compensation are growing louder. Many argue that while national pride and military displays are important, public safety should never be compromised.