Paul Muite, former legislator and senior counsel, has drawn a striking comparison between Kenya’s celebrations in the 1970s and Friday’s Jamhuri Day event at Nyayo National Stadium.

Taking to X on Saturday, December 13, 2025, he recalled how, during similar festivities at Uhuru Park, a Kenya Air Force (KAF) jet crashed.

“In the ’70s at Uhuru Park during similar celebrations,a KAF Jet crashed after its flyover. Everyone ran for dear life except one individual who continued to sit stoically on his seat; President J.Kenyatta to rally People’s confidence. What was that,he asked?” Muite tweeted.

The 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations on Friday featured a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) aerial display that briefly startled VIPs, including President William Ruto.

A Northrop F-5 Tiger II fighter jet tore past the stands with thunderous force, prompting Ruto and other dignitaries to flinch.

Military officers, however, remained calm and unmoved, highlighting the contrast between the reactions of trained personnel and civilians.

Jets thrill, cause damage

The fly-past is a regular part of national celebrations, meant to showcase Kenya’s military precision and operational readiness.

Pilots executed tight formations, high-speed turns, and coordinated manoeuvres. A commentator joked that many in the audience could hear the jets but could hardly see them, adding humour to the event.

Many joked about the jet flying unusually close, while others praised the precision of the pilots, who executed razor-sharp turns and high-speed formations that left the stadium buzzing with excitement.

Despite the spectacle, some residents of Nairobi West Estate reported property damage caused by the low-flying jets.

Windows shattered, walls cracked, and household items were displaced by the vibrations. Although no injuries were reported, locals demanded compensation and called for stricter safety measures during future public displays.

“There are no injuries, but our homes are destroyed. We want the government to pay for repairs,” said resident Basabra Basabra, calling for stricter safety measures and compensation for the damage.