The 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations officially commenced at approximately 10:00 am on Sunday, June 1, 2025, as President William Ruto touched down at the newly refurbished Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay, where thousands had gathered for the historic national event.

His entry, heralded by the rousing sounds of the Kenya Defence Forces band playing the national anthem, was met with roaring applause from the tens of thousands in attendance, signalling the ceremonial start of the national event.

The president touched down just minutes after First Lady Rachel Ruto had made her entrance, warmly welcomed by an already jubilant crowd that had filled every corner of the 20,000-seater stadium well before sunrise.

Shortly after his arrival, President Ruto proceeded to inspect the guard of honour mounted by the disciplined forces — a time-honoured tradition marking the official opening of state functions.

He then joined an array of dignitaries seated on the main podium, including Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar, who is the event’s chief guest and is currently on a historic state visit to Kenya.

Ahead of the President’s arrival, several top leaders had already taken their seats, among them Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and ODM party leader Raila Odinga — whose political roots in the region added symbolic significance to the day’s proceedings.

Their early presence further affirmed the national importance of this year’s celebration, the first of its kind to be held in Homa Bay County.

Crowds began gathering as early as Saturday evening, with thousands queuing outside the stadium gates by nightfall. By midnight, the stadium was already at full capacity.

Security officers were forced to open the gates by 9:30 pm on Saturday, allowing a surge of eager residents into the venue — some of whom travelled from as far as Kisii, Kisumu and Siaya to witness the historic event unfold in their backyard.

Today’s event carries added weight, given that this is the first time the national celebration is being held in the heart of the Nyanza region — a place long regarded as a stronghold of the opposition and particularly symbolic due to the naming of the venue after former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

This year’s Madaraka Day theme, “Harnessing Kenya’s Blue Economy for Sustainable Growth,” has been designed to highlight the economic potential of Kenya’s water resources, particularly along the Lake Victoria basin.

Homa Bay’s strategic location on the lakefront made it a natural choice to host the event, with government officials describing it as a perfect opportunity to spotlight the administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

In the hours leading up to the President’s arrival, the stadium was alive with colour and celebration.

Videos aired by local stations captured excited attendees draped in national flags and traditional attire, waving joyously under bright stadium floodlights.

Aerial fly-pasts by Kenya Air Force jets and synchronised marching displays by Kenya Defence Forces units thrilled the crowd, while officers from the National Police Service maintained a firm yet discreet security presence across the vast stadium grounds

District Commissioners and local officials have also organised parallel celebrations in their respective counties, with Baringo County already confirming that their county-level event will take place at Barwessa Primary School in Baringo West.

As the day progresses, Kenyans across the country — and beyond — will be watching closely as President Ruto and other leaders deliver key speeches, military parades unfold, and cultural showcases spotlight the diversity and pride of the nation.