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Madaraka celebrations marked by calls for peace, discipline in schools
Students from Eldoret National Polytechnic entertain guests with a Turkana community dance during Madaraka Day fete at Tarakwa Comprehensive Primary School in Kesses, Uasin Gishu County, on June 01, 2026.
Leaders on Monday urged citizens to work with security agencies to fight crime, with Madaraka Day celebrations interrupted by downpours and boycotts in some parts of the country.
Nakuru County commissioner Layford Kibara and Governor Susan Kihika urged concerted efforts in enforcing discipline in schools. They advised students to talk to teachers when faced with challenges.
An elderly man plays a guitar during the 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations at Teret Grounds in Mauche, Njoro, Nakuru County, on June 1, 2026. Leaders called for peace and asked students to observe discipline.
Heavy rains in Mombasa, Tana River and Kilifi disrupted the celebrations. Mombasa County Commissioner Mohamed Noor said locals would not be evicted from their houses.
“We have enhanced security and there will be no more demolitions,” Mr Noor said.
Lamu County Commissioner Stephen Sangolo and Deputy Governor Mbarak Salim stressed the need for citizens to help ensure peace.
Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro and County commissioner Joseph Kibet urged residents to help end insecurity and boost education.
“Every politician should be given a chance to sell his or her manifesto,” Mr Kibet said.
Mr Joseph Mwanti, the Tana River County Commissioner, announced a disarmament operation following clashes in Tana North.
Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok decried the rising insecurity in the region.
Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok and County Commissioner Caroline Nzwili confers during Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1,2026 at Merigi primary schools grounds in Bomet East.
In Kisii, Governor Simba Arati highlighted his achievements. He flagged off a fleet of new tippers, saying they would help in road construction.
Homa Bay County Commissioner, Ronald Mwiwawi, declared war on goons. He said politicians hiring the youths would face the law in the event of violence.
In Embu, Governor Cecily Mbarire announced an outbreak of M-Pox. She said public health officials are on the ground to ensure the disease does not spread.
Residents of Murang’a boycotted the celebrations at Ihura stadium, which were presided over by County Commissioner Hassan Bule.
Hawkers at the stadium complained of lack of customers. For Mr James Kimani 65, however, the celebrations were important as he received a prosthetic leg from Governor Irung’u Kanga’ta’s wife Mary Wambui.
Traditional dancers entertaining guests at Nembure Stadium in Embu County during Madaraka Day celebrations.
The outreach began last week and culminated in the fitting of 30 below-knee prosthetic limbs by SwissABILITY, an NGO.
“We have on average 1,000 demand for prosthetic limbs but few prosthetic and orthopaedic officers,” she said.
Reported by Wycliffe Nyaberi, George Odiwuor, Winnie Atieno, Kalume Kazungu, Mwangi Muiruri, George Munene, Vitalis Kimutai and Mercy Koskei
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