Thousands of Kenyans flocked to Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret on Tuesday, October 20, to attend this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations.
The stadium opened its gates shortly before midnight, allowing hundreds of people to secure spots ahead of the national event.
Some attendees spent the entire night at the venue in anticipation of the celebrations.
By 5:20 a.m., the 15,000-capacity stadium had filled to the brim, prompting police officers to shut the gates.
Kipchoge Keino Stadium. Photo: Courtesy.
The move left thousands of other Kenyans unable to access the venue despite arriving early for the occasion.
The celebrations attracted attendees from different parts of the country, with many traveling to Eldoret to witness the national event.
President William Ruto is expected to preside over the celebrations, which include military parades and other activities marking Mashujaa Day.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and other senior government officials are also present at the event.
This year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations are being jointly hosted by Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
Kipchoge Keino Stadium underwent an upgrade ahead of the national celebrations to prepare the facility for the event.
