Kenyans and some leaders across the country boycotted the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations which were dominated by politics of the broad-based government.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jecinta Wesonga having a word with County Commissioner Samson Ojwang on Madaraka Day at Kitale ASK Grounds. Mr Ojwang warned land cartels frustrating government efforts to resettle squatters at Chepchoina scheme.
Photo credit: Gerald Bwisa | Nation Media Group
This was the first time that Mr Natembeya failed to turn up for a national event since he was elected as governor. He was represented by County Health Executive Committee Member Sam Ojwang.
Empty seats, others occupied by children during Madaraka Day celebrations in Trans Nzoia County.
Photo credit: Evans Jaola| Nation Media Group
Most Members of the County Assembly of Trans Nzoia did not attend the function, and neither did the host Member of Parliament, Kwanza MP Ferdinand Wanyonyi, who was reported to be away in Singapore for an official assignment.
There was a tense moment when the speeches were being delivered as Mr Natembeya's allies called out opponents whom they claimed were planning and facilitating a political witch-hunt against the governor.
In Embu, Governor Cecily Mbarire accused some senior national government officials of undermining her.
She said that they were going round the county holding night political meetings without informing her.
“These officials, who are in government, are showing disrespect to me, and they should stop,” she said at Makima Primary School in Mbeere.
Ms Mbarire said that she was elected by the people of Embu, and she deserves to be accorded respect.
In Nyandarua County, it was a dull Madaraka Day marred by a low turnout. About 200 residents, among them Mau Mau veterans, attended the celebrations. They had to wait up to around 12pm when the event kicked off at Gathanji grounds in Ol Joro Orok Constituency.
Most of the seats reserved for senior civil servants and VIP guests at the dais were unoccupied. County Commissioner Abdrisack Jaldesa and Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha presided over the event.
However, in Nakuru where Governor Susan Kihika and County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara led residents in the celebrations, the situation was different. The venue was full, with hundreds of residents turning up for the fete.
Security personnel drawn from different disciplined forces conduct their drill during Nakuru County's Madaraka Day celebrations at Kabatini in Bahati on June 1, 2025.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation Media Group
Mr Kibaara warned residents about the re-emergence of criminal gangs in Nakuru. He said that a special police squad had been formed to tame the criminals terrorising residents.
In Mt Kenya region, Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua opted to worship at AIPCA Gatumbi Church in Kiambu County.
"We cannot relegate God to second fiddle as we glorify politics. God first is the maxim. President William Ruto and his platoon should have gone to worship centres and repent for having made the country lose the meaning of national historic days," Mr Gachagua said.
On the other hand, The Service Party leader Mwangi Kiunjuri said Madaraka Day celebrations should send Mt Kenya region “back to factory settings”.
"We need to ask ourselves what we are supposed to be pursuing as a community, as a region and as a country. We have political and social freedoms and blessed with resources,” he said.
In Murang'a County residents opted to stick to their routine of going to houses of worship instead of attending Madaraka celebrations. The county administration had mobilised chiefs and their assistants to get audiences for the event.
At Ihura Stadium, where County Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha led the celebrations, there was a low turnout consisting mainly of administrators and Nyumba Kumi officials.
For his part, Murang'a Senator Joe Nyutu said: “We salute the brave men and women who fought for our right to self-rule not for a flag or anthem alone, but for dignity, justice, and freedom.”
And Tharaka-Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, while speaking at Kibugua Stadium in Chuka Igambang'ombe Constituency, said the Universal Health Coverage medical staff should be handed over to the counties but with a budget for their salaries. He also claimed that some of them were ghost workers.
At the Coast, there were calls for unity among political leaders and residents.
In Kilifi County, the main celebrations held in Ganze Constituency were turned into a platform for leaders to castigate those opposing Governor Gideon Mung’aro.
Members of the County Assembly and those of the National Assembly legislators who spoke criticised politicians who have been engaging in early campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“Work with the governor, an appropriate time will come for 2027 politics. Let us not accept to be divided by people who are not in authority,” Kaloleni MP Paul Katana said.
In Lamu County, Governor Issa Timamy appealed to the youth to respect President Ruto.
Lamu Governor Issa Timamy and Lamu Women Representative Muthoni Marubu attend Madaraka Day celebrations at Hindi Primary School Grounds in Lamu on June 1,2025.
Photo credit: Kalume Kazungu | Nation Media Group
Addressing the public at Hindi Primary School in Lamu West, the governor also told off leaders of the opposition, led by former Deputy President Mr Gachagua, for spearheading divisive politics.
In Mombasa County, the main event was held at Uwanja wa Mbuzi grounds in Nyali Sub-County, where leaders also called for unity.
There were similar remarks made during Madaraka Day events held in Kwale, Taita-Taveta and Tana River counties.
In Garissa County, Senator Abdul Haji said the region was fully behind President Ruto and his mission to unite Kenyans.
In Siaya County, the celebrations held at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology were overshadowed by speakers’ growing concerns over insecurity.
County Commissioner Nobert Komora urged residents to support government efforts to enhance security.
In Kisii County, Governor Simba Arati and County Commissioner Joseph Kibet presided over the celebrations at Gusii Stadium.
Kisii County Commissioner Joseph Kibet during Madaraka Day celebrations at Gusii Stadium on June 1, 2025.
Photo credit: Wycliffe Nyaberi | Nation Media Group
There was tension when the President’s speech was read by Mr Kibet. It was met with chants of “Wantam!” and “Ruto Must Go!” Governor Arati intervened and calmed the crowd, enabling Mr Kibet to finish his remarks.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati (centre) and other guests get entertained by Nyancha Boys students at Gusii Stadium during Madaraka Day celebrations.
Photo credit: Wycliffe Nyaberi | Nation Media Group
In Uasin Gishu County, leaders used the Madaraka Day occasion at Mumetet Primary School in Moiben Sub-County to criticise the High Court in Eldoret for awarding a contractor Sh1.1 billion for unfinished works.
Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea said the judgment by the court did not factor in the economic impact on residents.
Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Edison Nyale (left), and Uasin Gishu County Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea on the dais during this year's Madaraka Day celebrations at Mumetet Primary School on June 1, 2025.
Photo credit: Jared Nyataya | Nation Media Group
In Turkana, Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai and County Commissioner Julius Kavita led residents in commemorating Madaraka Day at Lokori Baraza Park in Turkana East Sub-County.
Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai and County Commissioner Julius Kavita lead residents during the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations at Lokori Baraza Park in Turkana East Sub County on June 1, 2025.
Photo credit: Sammy Lutta | Nation Media Group
Governor Lomorukai called for the deployment of National Police Reservists in villages that are still experiencing rampant attacks, like Todonyang.
He said that Turkana East Sub- County has borne the brunt of bandit attacks from the neighbouring West Pokot, Baringo and Samburu counties.
In Baringo, Governor Benjamin Cheboi raised concern over the recent spate of attacks in Kerio Valley, which he said would reverse the gains the government had made in restoring order in the region.
Baringo County Commissioner Stephen Kutwa assured locals in the insecurity-prone areas of their safety. He said that they have made tremendous progress in restoring sanity, except in a few isolated incidents.
In Laikipia County, the celebrations were held at Likii Comprehensive School in Laikipia East Sub-County. However, hundreds of residents were disappointed after they failed to get the foodstuff they had been promised by organisers.
An unusually huge gathering sat throughout the ceremony with high expectations, only to be told that they would only be served ready meals and nothing to carry home.
Reporting by Eric Matara, Waikwa Maina, Mwangi Muiruri, Mwangi Ndirangu, Gitonga Marete, Evans Jaola, Valentine Obara, Kalume Kazungu, Manase Otsialo, Kassim Adinasi, Wycliffe Nyaberi, Titus Ominde, Sammy Lutta and Florah Koech
