- Kenya's 63rd Mashujaa Day celebrations will be held at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, with thousands arriving the night before to secure seats
- A video of crowds rushing through stadium gates at 11pm went viral, drawing reactions from sports presenter Carol Radull and thousands of Kenyans online
- Fans questioned why residents would spend an entire night at the stadium ahead of the morning event
Thousands of Kenyans took dedication to a whole new level ahead of the country's 63rd Mashujaa Day celebrations on Tuesday, October 20, arriving at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret as early as 11pm the previous night to claim their seats.
Source: Instagram
The national holiday, marked under the leadership of President William Ruto, holds special significance this year.
Eldoret, which recently earned city status, is hosting a major national celebration for the first time since that milestone.
Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet and Nandi counties jointly organised the festivities, spotlighting the North Rift region's vibrant culture and its reputation as a global centre of athletic excellence.
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A video circulating on social media the night before the event captured a massive crowd pouring through one of the stadium's entry gates, jostling for position in scenes that almost turned into a stampede.
Security personnel stood by as fans scrambled to occupy seats, cheering and screaming as they settled in for what would be a long wait until morning.
Sports media personality Carol Radull was among the first prominent voices to react to the footage online. Posting on her account, @carolradull, she posed a pointed question:
"How much have they been paid?"
Her comment quickly resonated with other Kenyans who found the whole situation both amusing and baffling.
@nayomeytess wrote:
"I have not even slept, and there is someone in the stadium already."
@arebasilas took a lighter view, commenting:
"Congratulations to them for securing a spot."
@_mantale_8 raised a practical concern:
"In case they need to use the washroom what do they do?"
@osinyathemike echoed Radull's scepticism:
"Are people getting paid or what?"
@_kim.oisa_ added a punchline:
"And then they are given KSh 200."
@zubzali went further, throwing a jab at the state of healthcare:
"And when they get pneumonia, SHA doesn't work."
Despite the online comments, the turnout reflected excitement around the event. The Kipchoge Keino Stadium, named after Kenya's legendary Olympic champion, provided a fitting backdrop for a celebration in a city synonymous with world-beating athletics.
Source: TUKO.co.ke