By Kemuma Achieng
What was meant to be a moment of national pride turned chaotic during Kenya’s 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations at the newly upgraded Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County, where at least four journalists were injured and dozens of attendees were robbed amid glaring lapses in security.
The high-profile event, presided over by President William Ruto, was the first of its kind in Homa Bay and carried the theme “Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs,” aimed at showcasing the region’s potential as a maritime economic hub. However, reports of violence, robbery, and police brutality against accredited journalists cast a dark shadow over the day’s celebrations.
Journalists Assaulted Despite Accreditation
Among those injured were Steve Okedi (KTN), Marble Achieng (NTV), and Ephantus Maina (Royal Media Services), who all sustained leg injuries after being assaulted by police officers while covering the event. Despite having proper accreditation, they were allegedly pushed, struck with batons, and forcibly removed from designated media areas.
“We had our media accreditation, but they still targeted us,” said Achieng. “They pushed us and started hitting us with batons.”
The attacks have sparked widespread condemnation from media rights groups and renewed concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists covering public events.
Robberies Inside the Stadium
In a separate security breach, scores of attendees were robbed inside the stadium, with goons—some reportedly from Kisumu—stealing mobile phones, wallets, and money in broad daylight. The thefts caused panic among the crowd and disrupted live media coverage, further exposing gaps in crowd control and surveillance.
Celebrations and Development Amid Disruption
Despite the disruptions, the three-day celebration featured cultural performances, exhibitions, and a blue economy conference, drawing thousands to the 12,000-seater venue. The national event also spotlighted recent infrastructure upgrades, including improvements to roads and Kabunde Airstrip, which supported access to the lakeside town.
Security forces had implemented road closures and vehicle diversions, but the incidents inside the stadium raised questions about preparedness and protocol enforcement.
Leaders Respond
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga praised the county's role in hosting the event and emphasized the need for collective responsibility in addressing the security lapses.
“This is a step towards a brighter future for Homa Bay,” she said. “We must work together to prevent such incidents and ensure our county remains a trusted host for future national events.”
As investigations into the assaults and thefts begin, both media watchdogs and civil society organizations are calling for accountability and immediate reforms to ensure that national celebrations are safe, inclusive, and respectful of press freedoms.
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