Long before President William Ruto arrived with an apology and a bag of goodies for the people of northern Kenya to mark the 63rd Madaraka Day on Monday, Wajir had already made history.
Residents began arriving at the new 10,000-capacity stadium as early as 4.30am, many from far-flung parts of the county, to witness the first national celebrations held in the north.
By 6.30am, all the seats had been occupied and thousands more stood on the terraces as the sweltering heat intensified.
Hawkers, children, elders and local leaders mingled in an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation, aware they were witnessing a moment that would be etched into the region’s history.
Kenyans at the Wajir stadium during the Madaraka day celebrations on June 1, 2026.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada| Nation Media Group
In one of the most striking displays, the children assembled themselves into the shape of the map of Kenya before seamlessly transforming into the word “WAJIR” and later “ELIMU” – the Kiswahili word for “education”.
The formations drew applause from the crowd and reinforced the central message of the day that education would be the foundation of Kenya’s development.
When he stood to speak, the President repeatedly returned to the themes of inclusion and equal opportunity as he confronted the legacy of policies that consigned northern Kenya to the margins of national development.
President William Ruto inspects the guard of honour during the 63rd Madaraka day celebrations at Wajir Stadium on June 1, 2026.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada| Nation Media Group
He singled out Sessional Paper 10 of 1965, which prioritised investment in perceived high-potential areas while leaving swathes of northern Kenya underdeveloped.
“Communities were pushed to the fringes of their own republic. Their patriotism was questioned, their citizenship doubted and their aspirations undermined,” he said.
He then offered an apology: “On behalf of the people and the Republic of Kenya, I offer sincere apology for the marginalisation you have endured over the years. Poleni sana ndugu zetu (We are very sorry our brothers). It was never meant to be this way.” The crowd was euphoric.
An aerial view showing people in attendance of the Madaraka Day celebration in the newly built Wajir stadium on June 1, 2026.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada | Nation Media Group
The Kenya Air Force conducted an elaborate fly-past and the performance concluded with a helicopter flying over the stadium with a giant “Happy Madaraka 2026” banner.
