Woman manhandled while attempting to access President Ruto’s motorcade in Homa bay
A moment of commotion was witnessed on Sunday, June 1, at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay shortly after the conclusion of the Madaraka Day celebrations when a woman attempted to access President William Ruto’s motorcade.
The incident occurred as the president’s convoy was making its way out of the stadium. The woman, whose identity remains unknown, tried to breach the tight security to get closer to the head of state.
This prompted a swift and firm response from Ruto’s eagle-eyed security personnel, who forcefully restrained her.
In the heat of the moment, the motorcade briefly came to a stop as the security detail moved to remove the woman from the president’s path.
Despite her resistance, she was overpowered by several security officers dressed in black suits, who held her tightly and escorted her back towards the crowd.
The woman continued to struggle in an attempt to return to the president’s route, but her efforts were in vain as the security men quickly isolated and directed her away, ensuring the convoy’s movement was not obstructed.
Throughout the incident, President Ruto remained inside his vehicle and did not step out or lower the windscreen, leaving the matter entirely in the hands of his security team, who acted swiftly to neutralise the situation and allow the motorcade to proceed smoothly.
The 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations
The 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations, held on June 1, 2025, in Homa Bay County, Kenya, marked a historic occasion, as it was the first time the county hosted this national holiday commemorating Kenya’s attainment of internal self-rule in 1963.
The event took place at the newly refurbished Raila Odinga Stadium under the theme “Harnessing Kenya’s Blue Economy for Sustainable Growth,” aligning with Homa Bay’s strategic location along Lake Victoria, which accounts for 80% of Kenya’s share of the lake.
The celebrations began at 10:00 AM with the arrival of President William Ruto, accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto. The president was received by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) band playing the national anthem. The ceremony featured a guard of honour, aerial fly-pasts by Kenya Air Force jets, and synchronised parades by the KDF, adding colour and grandeur to the occasion.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar, who served as the chief guest; Deputy President Kithure Kindiki; Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi; and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Odinga’s presence underscored political unity in a region that has traditionally been an opposition stronghold.
Cultural performances were a key highlight of the day.
Local Luo traditional dancers performed to the rhythms of the Orutu and Nyatiti, while Benga musicians and groups such as the Maroon Commandoes, Kagan Kochia Cultural Dancers, and the State House Choir entertained the crowd.
Renowned artists like Onyi Papa Jay and Tabby Odanga took to the stage, alongside school choirs such as Asumbi Girls High School.
The day’s theme focused on the blue economy, emphasising sustainable development through Lake Victoria’s natural resources.
Projects highlighted included fish landing sites in Wakula, Mainuga, and Nyadhiwa, valued at KSh 1.5 billion, and the establishment of a Fisheries and Aquaculture Training Centre in Kabonyo.
