LIVE: Madaraka Day

News and Politics · Tania Wanjiku · June 1, 2025

In Summary

Madaraka Day is a national holiday that is celebrated every 1 June in every year in the Republic of Kenya. It commemorates the day in 1963 that Kenya attained internal self rule after being a British colony since 1920.

There is a vibrant cheer at the Raila Odinga Stadium as Kenya marks its 62nd Madaraka Day.

Thousands of Kenyans crowded the stadium on Saturday night, hours before the official event began.

The national event has drawn huge attention, with videos circulating online showing crowds streaming into the stadium as early as 9 p.m. to secure seats.

By midnight, the 12,000-seater stadium was nearly full, underscoring the immense public interest in the first-ever national Madaraka Day celebration hosted in Homa Bay County.

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Jun 1, 13:23

The Kenyan currency market

The President notes that the Kenyan Shilling is up 20% from Sh162 to Sh129 vs the US dollar, among the best-performing currencies globally -

He adds that the Central Bank Rate was cut from 13% to 10%, easing borrowing costs and boosting private sector growth.

Forex reserves are at $10B; import cover extended from 2.5 to 4 months.

Jun 1, 13:20

The 'Bottom-up' agenda

President Ruto: "Over 2 ½ years ago, we embarked on an ambitious journey powered by the ‘bottom-up’ approach and rooted in the will and sovereign consent of the people of Kenya. ‘Bottom-up’ is not just a mere slogan; today, it is a lived reality for millions of Kenyans. It has transformed lives and reshaped destinies across the country"

Jun 1, 13:07

The President reaffirms that the Social Health Authority (SHA) is working.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, word is beginning to get out throughout the nation that ‘SHA is working’, by which citizens mean that the transition challenges and teething problems are now behind us, and Universal Healthcare Coverage is now serving Kenyans and leaving nobody behind."

President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto ahead of the Madaraka Day celebrations in Homabay County. PHOTO/PCS

Jun 1, 13:05

Ruto on Kenya's economy

William Ruto: "Since August 2022, Kenya has averaged 5% annual growth, beating the global (3.3%) and regional (3.8%) averages."

He adds that: "IMF projects Kenya’s GDP to hit $132B (Sh17 trillion), now the largest economy in our region and 6th-largest in Africa."

The President says: "Madaraka affirms our collective faith shared across generations of Kenyan patriots, that through hard work, innovation and resilience will rise to the occasion. "

Jun 1, 12:59

President William Ruto begins his speech

The president speaks about the Affordable Housing Scheme.

He emphasizes the scheme aims to provide dignity to Kenyans struggling with housing.

Jun 1, 12:44

President Nataša Pirc Musar

The Slovenian President speaks about Kenya's colonial history.

"We celebrate with you because we are two confident nations," said Musar.

Jun 1, 12:37

President William Ruto

President William Ruto takes the podium, speaks briefly before inviting the Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar.

"We have in our midst a great friend of Kenya," says the President.

Jun 1, 12:30

ODM chief Raila Odinga speaks

Raila Odinga: "Mr President, do not resurrect provincial administration."

"They say that people should be united without any discrimination on the basis of gender, tribe, religion and culture. This is what our founding fathers wanted. Your Excellency, I want to plead with you, do not resurrect provincial administration."

At some point in his speech, he breaks into his local dialect, "Dholuo" and speaks to the locals.

Raila also called for the compensation of those who were killed during the Gen Z protests in June.

Jun 1, 12:27

DP Kindiki speaks

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki invites Former President Raila Odinga to give his speech.

Jun 1, 12:26

Wanga hails progress in the County

Governor Gladys Wanga: "Your Excellency, we celebrate your government’s partnership with Homa Bay County. Since independence, no administration has matched your dedication to our development; the construction of 10 fresh produce markets and approving additional markets in Kadongo, Pala and Rangwe."

Jun 1, 12:20

Governor Wanga's speech

Host Governor Wanga, gives a speech, hailing the government for its efforts towards national unity.

Meanwhile, additional crowds were allowed entry beyond the official seating to accommodate the overwhelming attendance.

Jun 1, 11:17

Harambee Harambee!

Homa Bay County school children dance Daudi Kabaka's "Harambee Harambee", a praise of Kenya's patriots.

These are followed by patriotic poems and various "Ohangla" performances by groups drawn from Homa Bay County, the host of this year's celebrations.

Jun 1, 11:05

Prayers

"Our dear Heavenly Father, maker of heaven and earth, we thank you for this Madaraka Day...," enunciates a Christian, a clergyman.

A Muslim clergy prays next: "Ni wewe tu ndio tunakuabudu...hii Madaraka tumepata kwa uwezo wako."

Translation: "You are the only one we worship...We've gotten self-rule because of your grace."

Another clergyman plays in local dialect.

The prayers centred on the country, its people and the President.

Jun 1, 10:59

Scout and Girl Guides

Scout and Girl Guide formations march out in front of the stadium.

"Look Wide", says the Mwamba Scouts motto.

Kindergarten scouts also march in front of the stadium.

Jun 1, 10:58

Paratroopers leave

All packed up, the paratroopers march out of the field, concluding the military show.

Jun 1, 10:43

An Airshow

Screaming military planes fly out across the stadium in a skillful but brief display by the Kenya Air Force.

Military paratroopers launch out of planes in the Homa Bay sky as the crowd looks up.

One of the paratroopers' parachutes is in Homa Bay County colours.

A slow motion of the display shows great skill from the military men.

Jun 1, 10:29

Awesome formations

Security forces match out infront of the stadium in a delightful display.

The Kenya Army, Kenya Navy and Kenya Air Force, and several units of the National Police Service make up the units matching out.

Jun 1, 10:20

Guard of Honour

President Ruto inspects the guard of honour as the military band plays on.

Jun 1, 10:17

President William Ruto arrives

The President's motorcade rides into the stadium amid rapturous applause from the huge crowd.

Minutes earlier, the Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar arrived at the venue, as well as First Lady Rachel Ruto.

The band plays the famous tune "Kenya, Kenya,..Kenya, Kenya taifa letu!"

Translation: (Kenya, Kenya, Kenya our country)

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LIVE: Madaraka Day

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