Homa Bay County is a region along the shores of Lake Victoria, gearing up to host Kenya’s 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1, 2025, at the newly refurbished Raila Odinga Stadium.
Kenyans commemorate Kenya’s attainment of self-rule on Madaraka Day, and the national event has put Homa Bay in the spotlight, drawing attention to its cultural, historical, and natural significance.
The event, themed “Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs,” aligns with the county’s strategic position along Lake Victoria, emphasising sustainable development through maritime resources.
The event, themed “Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs,” aligns with the county’s strategic position along Lake Victoria, emphasizing sustainable development through maritime resources.
Personalities of Interest
Raila Odinga
A native of the Luo community, prominent in Homa Bay, Raila Odinga is Kenya’s former Prime Minister and is central to the Madaraka Day celebrations.
The host stadium bears his name, and he is expected to headline discussions during a three-day conference leading up to Madaraka Day.
His recent political alliance with President William Ruto, despite their 2022 election rivalry, massively increases his influence.
Gladys Wanga
Gladys Wanga has been the governor of Homa Bay County since 2022 and has been pivotal in the preparations.
She welcomed Raila Odinga for the stadium’s opening in 2023 and has been overseeing its upgrades.
She has focused on infrastructure improvements, such as expanding Kabunde Airstrip and upgrading roads, to enhance accessibility for visitors.
On May 26, 2025, Wanga officially handed over the refurbished Raila Odinga Stadium, now a 12,000-seater venue, to the National Celebrations Steering Committee. This act marked the completion of upgrades, ensuring the stadium is ready for the national event.
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Wanga has worked closely with national and county officials, including inspections with Interior PS Raymond Omollo and Sports CS Salim Mvurya.
Raymond Omollo
PS Raymond Omollo, the Internal Security Principal Secretary, is leading preparations for Madaraka Day. He’s been inspecting Homa Bay to ensure everything’s on track.
Omollo has been following progress of the Raila Odinga Stadium, the main venue, during his visits. He has expressed satisfaction with the progress made there.
His oversight extended to infrastructure upgrades like the Kabunde Airstrip and the Homa Bay Pier–Stadium Road, facilitating accessibility for dignitaries and visitors.
He has also encouraged Homa Bay residents to welcome guests and seize business opportunities.
Omollo assured the public of robust security measures for the event, addressing concerns raised by the National Celebrations Steering Committee. His role includes ensuring a safe and organized environment for the expected thousands of attendees, including President William Ruto and other high-profile figures.
Salim Mvurya
Salim Mvurya, the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, has played a significant role in the Madaraka Day preparations.
Mvurya has been instrumental in supervising the Ksh500 million refurbishment of the Raila Odinga Stadium, which now boasts a 12,000-seater capacity with new terraces, a canopy, and modern amenities to meet international standards.
Mvurya has highlighted the stadium as a symbol of unity and shared prosperity, aligning with President William Ruto’s and Raila Odinga’s vision for inclusive growth.
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Beyond Madaraka Day, Mvurya emphasized the stadium’s future role in hosting events like the African Nations Championship (CHAN), dismissing social media claims of Kenya’s unpreparedness. He confirmed that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) inspections validated the facility’s readiness, with upgrades like improved grass and a tartan track enhancing its versatility.
Peter Kaluma
Peter Kaluma is the Homa Bay Town MP.
Kaluma has been a key local figure, joining inspection tours with officials like Interior PS Raymond Omollo and Governor Gladys Wanga to ensure the Raila Odinga Stadium and other facilities are ready for the June 1, 2025, celebrations.
He has publicly lauded the event as a historic opportunity, urging residents to seize economic opportunities and thanking Ruto for choosing Homa Bay, describing it as a step toward addressing Nyanza’s historical marginalization.
Landmarks
Raila Odinga Stadium
The main venue for the June 1 celebrations, this 12,000-seater stadium has been revamped with new terraces, a canopy, and upgraded facilities to meet national standards.
Built by the county at Ksh369 million, it hosts Football Kenya Federation Premier League matches and symbolizes regional pride.
Named after Raila Odinga, it embodies unity and development, as noted by Sports CS Salim Mvurya. It will host a three-day conference with President William Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and Raila Odinga.
Lake Victoria
Africa’s largest freshwater lake drives Homa Bay’s economy and identity, supporting fishing and tourism. Its role aligns with the Madaraka Day theme, “Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs.”
Upgraded infrastructure, like the Homa Bay Pier–Stadium Road, boosts accessibility for visitors.
Ruma National Park
Home to rare roan antelopes, leopards, and Kenya’s only protected Jackson’s hartebeest population, this park highlights Homa Bay’s biodiversity, drawing safari enthusiasts during the festivities.
Asego Hills
Overlooking Homa Bay town, these hills provide a scenic backdrop to the stadium, enhancing the event’s visual appeal.
Kabunde Airstrip
Undergoing upgrades by the Kenya Airports Authority, this airstrip will accommodate increased air traffic, ensuring connectivity for dignitaries and visitors before and after the celebrations.
Hidden Gems in Homa Bay
Tom Mboya Mausoleum
On Rusinga Island, this site honors the assassinated independence hero with a museum showcasing his life. Undervisited, it offers a deep dive into Kenya’s political history via a scenic Lake Victoria boat ride.
Rusinga and Mfangano Islands
Known for fossil sites linked to early human ancestors and vibrant Luo culture, these islands are peaceful, ideal for cultural and eco-tourism, yet off the mainstream trail.
Homa Bay Hot Springs
Near Homa Bay town, these geothermal springs, believed to have therapeutic properties, are largely unknown, offering a unique relaxation spot for visitors.
Kanam and Kanjera Archaeological Sites
On the Homa Peninsula, these sites feature early hominid fossil discoveries, attracting researchers and history buffs but underappreciated by tourists.
Local Markets and Cultural Festivals
The Homa Bay Municipal Market and periodic Luo festivals showcase crafts, music, and cuisine, providing an authentic cultural experience for visitors engaging with locals.
Gor Mahia Shrine
Located on Sigama Hill in Kanyamwa Kosewe, Ndhiwa Constituency, the Gor Mahia Shrine is a cultural site dedicated to the legendary Luo paramount chief and magician, Gor Mahia, who died in 1922 at age 126.
The shrine is revered for its spiritual significance. The Gor Mahia Football Club, named after him, draws its identity from this legend.
Despite its cultural importance, it remains under visited due to limited marketing and infrastructure. Plans to upgrade it with a mausoleum, library, and fencing aim to make it a tourist attraction, potentially drawing visitors during the 2025 Madaraka Day celebrations.
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