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Farouk Kibet proposes New Year’s Eve State Banquet be held in Bungoma
26th July, 2025 12:49 PM
President William Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet, has suggested that this year’s New Year’s Eve State Banquet be held at the Bungoma State Lounge.
Speaking during an empowerment programme in Kanduyi, Bungoma County, on Saturday, July 26, 2025, Farouk stated that the State Lounge was not established for ceremonial purposes alone and proposed that the celebration be held there to allow Bungoma residents to be part of the national event.
He addressed the gathering and asked for the approval of the local community to host the end-of-year celebrations, saying it would be a significant moment for the county. The proposal was received positively by the crowd present.
The Bungoma State Lounge is one of the newly established official venues under the Office of the President, intended to decentralise state functions and events beyond Nairobi.
“Hii kiwanja ya State House haikuletwa hapa ikuwe ya harusi. Namuuliza papa wa Roma kama tunaweza ruka mwaka huu ukiisha turuke na watu wa Bungoma. Hio ni sawa si sawa, watu ya Bungoma, hio ni sawa,” Kibet said.
Last year’s state banquet
Should this go as intended by Kibet, it will follow the one held on December 31, 2024, when President William Ruto hosted a New Year’s Eve State Banquet at the Kisii State Lodge to mark the transition into 2025.
During the event, Ruto reflected on the challenges of the past year, including economic and political difficulties, while expressing optimism and hope for a brighter 2025. The banquet served as a formal gathering to celebrate the new year.
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka then publicly declined to attend, citing grave concerns over ongoing abductions, corruption, and human rights abuses during Ruto’s tenure, and described 2024 as a “tumultuous and painful year” for many Kenyans.
Notable moments
The most prominent moment was President William Ruto dancing energetically to the viral song “Kasongo” by Orchestra Super Mazembe, joined by First Lady Rachel Ruto, government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga.
The dance, captured on video, thrilled attendees and sparked widespread social media buzz, as the song had become a satirical reference to Ruto’s administration.
