Pomp and colour as thousands attend Madaraka fete in Bungoma

A 'kamabeka' dancer entertains guests during Madaraka Day celebrations at Masinde Muliro Stadium in Kanduyi, Bungoma. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

It was pomp and colour as the country showcased its cultural history to thousands of residents who turned up in Bungoma to mark the 61st Madaraka Day celebrations at the Masinde Muliro stadium.

In an event full of fanfare, residents started lining up at the stadium as early as 3am to witness the event that was attended by senior government officials led by President William Ruto.

Residents started arriving at the stadium as early as 2am, braving the chilly morning weather. They waited in long queues to undergo security checks at the entrance before entering the stadium.

Patrick Simiyu from Kabuchai said he arrived at the stadium moments after 2am, only to find long queues at the venue.

"I thought I would be the first person here but there were crowds by the time I arrived, I hope I will be allowed into the stadium to follow the proceedings," he said.

Popular luhya lyrics including Mwana wa mbeli (first born) and Mulongo kept thousands of Kenyans at the stadium entertained as the country marked its 61st Madaraka Day celebration.

Some of the artists who performed were Butura cultural dancers, Micah Wanyenje, Sammy Mang'ara, and Shinzo. Students drawn from various schools in the region stole the show with their heartwarming performances.

In a meticulously coordinated performance, about 500 children came together to form a giant map of Kenya, drawing widespread admiration and applause from the crowd.

President William Ruto who arrived to the stadium around 10am, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, a handful of governors, MPs and senators from Western and other parts of the country attended the event.

Leaders from Western who gave the event a wide berth include DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa and former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya. Other opposition leaders including Azimio leader Raila Odinga, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and his Narc Kenya counterpart Martha Karua were also absent.

At one point, host governor Kenneth Lusaka appeared to cause confusion after he forgot to usher in Gachagua when he finished addressing the people.

"Your excellency, sometimes when you address a huge crowd like this one, you may forget to do some things, I welcome the DP to usher you in," said Lusaka moments after realising his mistake.

The president joked that he was ready to stay in Bungoma for more days owing to the hospitality of the residents.

"We shall be here tomorrow and even the day after tomorrow if you treat us well," said the President amid cheers.

Ruto arrived in Bungoma on Thursday afternoon and is expected to wrap up his four-day tour after attending a church service today.