HOMA BAY, Kenya — A moment of disruption occurred at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay on Sunday, June 1st, following the conclusion of the Madaraka Day celebrations, when a woman attempted to access President William Ruto’s motorcade.
The incident unfolded as the presidential convoy was departing the stadium. The woman, whose identity remains unknown, sought to breach the security perimeter to approach the Head of State.
This prompted a swift and decisive response from President Ruto’s security detail, who forcefully restrained her.
The motorcade briefly halted as security personnel moved to intercept and remove the woman from the president’s path.
Despite her resistance, she was subdued by several security officers dressed in black suits, who firmly escorted her away from the convoy.
The woman continued her attempts to return to the president’s route, but her efforts were thwarted as security officers quickly isolated and directed her away, ensuring the convoy’s uninterrupted departure.
Throughout the incident, President Ruto remained within his vehicle, and did not interact with the situation, leaving it to his security team, who acted promptly to neutralize the potential breach and facilitate the motorcade’s progress.
62nd Madaraka Day celebrations
The 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations, held on June 1st, 2025, in Homa Bay County, Kenya, marked a significant milestone, as it was the county’s inaugural hosting of this national holiday, which commemorates Kenya’s attainment of internal self-rule in 1963.
The event took place at the newly renovated Raila Odinga Stadium, under the theme “Harnessing Kenya’s Blue Economy for Sustainable Growth,” a theme chosen to highlight Homa Bay’s strategic location along Lake Victoria, which represents 80% of Kenya’s lake resources.
The celebrations commenced at 10:00 AM with the arrival of President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto, who were greeted by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) band playing the national anthem. The ceremony featured a guard of honor, aerial fly-pasts by Kenya Air Force jets, and synchronized parades by the KDF, adding spectacle and grandeur to the event.
Distinguished attendees included Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar, who served as the chief guest; Deputy President Kithure Kindiki; Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi; and ODM leader Raila Odinga. Odinga’s presence emphasized political unity within a region traditionally considered an opposition stronghold.
Cultural performances were a prominent feature of the day. Local Luo traditional dancers performed to the rhythms of the Orutu and Nyatiti, while Benga musicians and groups such as the Maroon Commandoes, Kagan Kochia Cultural Dancers, and the State House Choir provided entertainment. Renowned artists like Onyi Papa Jay and Tabby Odanga took to the stage, alongside school choirs such as Asumbi Girls High School.
The day’s theme centered on the blue economy, focusing on sustainable development through the utilization of Lake Victoria’s natural resources. Projects highlighted included fish landing sites in Wakula, Mainuga, and Nyadhiwa, valued at KSh 1.5 billion, and the establishment of a Fisheries and Aquaculture Training Centre in Kabonyo.
