Madaraka Day celebrations in Trans Nzoia County took an unexpected and dramatic turn after members of the general public staged a silent protest during the official reading of President William Ruto’s speech.
As County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi began delivering the President’s message, attendees, primarily members of the public,abruptly walked out of the venue, leaving rows of empty chairs behind. The mass exit was a clear expression of displeasure, highlighting growing tensions between the national leadership and segments of the local population.
Caught off guard by the walkout, Mr. Oyagi was left addressing only Chiefs, security personnel, and a handful of students who remained at the event. The embarrassing turn of events underscored the deepening political rift and growing public frustration.
Governor George Natembeya, a vocal critic of the current administration, was notably absent from the celebrations. In a strong statement issued earlier, he declared that there was “nothing to celebrate when people are being abducted, leaders harassed, and divergent opinions suppressed.” His decision to boycott the celebrations was both symbolic and political, reflecting widespread concerns over governance, rule of law, and the shrinking space for dissent in Kenya.
The events in Trans Nzoia painted a sobering picture of a country grappling with political disillusionment at the grassroots level, even as national celebrations were meant to foster unity and patriotism.