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Thousands of Kisumu residents disregarded the strict Coronavirus containment measures to throng the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium for the Madaraka Day celebrations.

As early as 6am, thousands of residents had arrived at the stadium, a whole three hours ahead of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s expected arrival to arrive lead the nation in the celebrations.

By 8am, it was evident that the turnout would far exceed the 3,000 maximum crowd the organisers had decreed in the wake of surging Covid-19 infections in the lakeside city and surrounding counties. 

Outside the stadium, thousands more took positions on the Kisumu-Kakamega road to catch a glimpse of the presidential motorcade as it made its way from the State Lodge to the venue of the celebrations.

Every too often, the crowd burst into loud cheers as the dignitaries, including Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye and First Lady Angeline, Deputy President William Ruto, Opposition leaders Raila Odinga, Musalia Mudavadi, Kalonzo Musyoka and Chief Justice Martha Koome, among others, made their way to the stadium.

Adherence to Ministry of Health Covid-19 containment protocols was put to test as the attendance surpassed the initial number that was anticipated by the event’s organizers.

Police officers manning the stadium’s gates had a difficult time trying to contain the ever surging crowds seeking to force their way in the stadium.

At Kondele area, residents tried to barricade the road to block the presidential convoy as they sought an audience with him.

In the stadium, a battery of local bands kept he crowd entertained as they awaited the chief guests.

Among the artists and performers who thrilled the event attendees are famous Susana Owiyo, Osito Kale, Wuod Fibi and Kochia danc ers.  

Songs centered around unity among Kenyans and development dotted the celebrations whose theme was ‘Pamoja Tusonge Mbele’.

Ruto and his wife Rachael made their way to the dais at 11:20 am, followed eight minutes later by Raila. Two minutes later, President Ndayishimiye and the Burundian First lady Angeline arrived.

At 11:45 am, President Uhuru and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta made their way into the stadium to a thunderous welcome.

The president proceeded to make a lap of honour around the stadium aboard the ceremonial landrover flanked by the Chief of the Defence Forces General Robert Kibochi.

This was followed by the guard of honour mounted by the armed forces, as well as the fly past, to deafening cheers from the gathering.

But it was the paratroopers drawn from the various military formations that sent the crowds into a frenzy ass they landed at the venue from the parachutes. 

With the entertainment done, it was time for the speeches, starting with the host governor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o who invited Ruto to address the crowd.

The DP would later invite the president, who in turn invited Raila, Ndayishimiye and South African minister Lindiwe Sisulu to address the gathering before he went on with his speech. 

In his address, President Uhuru said hosting the event in Kisumu rekindled historical moments as the country marked Madaraka Day.