Inside Patrick Riang’a’s upcoming Gusii festival after Mkisii Fest drama
By Valerian Khakayi, August 21, 2026Kenyan automotive sales expert and former radio presenter Patrick Riang’a is preparing to host a new two-day Gusii festival after the drama that surrounded the recent Mkisii Fest.
According to Riang’a, the festival, dubbed Gusii Crossover 2026, will be held at Kisii School Grounds on December 31, 2026, and January 1, 2027.
Riang’a also says the festival will bring together Gusii creatives, with musicians taking centre stage during the two-day celebrations.
“Venue loading, Kisii school grounds. Crossover and New Year celebrations will be held for 2 nights, 31st December 2026 & 1st January 2027; watch this space. Kisii, we are coming with all the musicians,” Riang’a announced.
Gusii artists to benefit directly
According to the event announcement shared by him online, Gusii artists will host the festival and benefit directly from the proceeds.
“Gusii Crossover 2026 (31st Dec & 1st Jan) will be hosted by Gusii artists themselves, and they will benefit directly,” the announcement states.
Riang’a also said he will not personally make money from the event despite using his resources to organise it, adding that all proceeds will go to the participating artists.
“I will not gain even 1 bob from the event. Otherwise I will spend my money to plan it,” he said.
The festival will bring together Gusii musicians, comedians, MCs, DJs, dancers, content creators, influencers and other creatives.
The organiser also plans to feature live bands performing both new and old songs, with secular and gospel music included in the programme.
“It will be a LIVE BAND blending both new and old (secular & gospel) songs. Hapo vipi?” Riang’s revealed.
Mkisii fest drama
The upcoming festival comes weeks after the controversy surrounding Mkisii Fest, which was held on Saturday, August 8, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.
Riang’a was among those who publicly expressed frustration over how the event was handled.
His biggest complaint, however, came while he was addressing the audience from the stage.
Riang’a claimed that someone from the organising team signalled from behind, after which music was switched on while he was speaking, effectively drowning him out despite him supporting the event by buying tickets for 40 people.
“I am a businessman and supported the show by buying tickets for 40 people. Then you switch off the microphone for me. You must style up,” Riang’a lamented.
With Gusii Crossover 2026, Riang’a is now putting his focus on an event that he says will place Gusii creatives at the centre while allowing artists to benefit directly from their performances.
The two-day crossover celebrations are scheduled for December 31, 2026, and January 1, 2027, at Kisii School Grounds.