Trans Nzoia residents walk out during President Ruto's Madaraka Day speech

Dramatic scenes unfolded at Trans Nzoia's Madaraka Day celebrations as residents staged a mass walkout while President William Ruto's speech was being delivered.

A viral video shows County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi struggling to maintain order and continue reading the president's address amid growing noise and chaos at Lessos Primary School in Kwanza Constituency.

The situation deteriorated further when the public address system mysteriously malfunctioned, despite a generator running in the background.

Deputy County Commissioner Stephen Kavulu's attempts to restore both order and the sound system proved unsuccessful.

This POV is even insane? pic.twitter.com/dhnG9SIW73

— The Nairobi Times (@TheNairobiTimez) June 1, 2025

The dramatic footage has sparked intense reactions across social media, with Kenyans weighing in on the unprecedented scenes.

Adding to the day's controversies, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya boycotted the national celebrations entirely, citing disillusionment with his role and Kenya's democratic trajectory.

Speaking in Kiminini before the official ceremonies, Natembeya delivered a scathing assessment of the current state of governance.

"There is widespread poverty among ordinary Kenyans, increasing suppression of free expression, and growing attacks on democracy. Under these conditions, I find no reason to participate in the celebrations," the governor declared.

Natembeya questioned the purpose of attending celebrations when he feels powerless to effect change, describing the current situation as "a new form of colonialism."

"At the moment, I hold no position of power, so why should I attend celebrations of authority? We have been deceiving ourselves, and I will consider in the future whether or not to attend such celebrations," he added.

While this transpired, President Ruto, in Homabay, led the country in celebrating its 62nd Madaraka Day at a packed Raila Odinga Stadium.

Dignitaries present were the Slovenian President Nataša Musar, DP KIthure Kindiki, ODM leader Raila Odinga, Governor Gladys Wanga, among others. 

This year’s Madaraka Day theme, “Harnessing Kenya’s Blue Economy for Sustainable Growth,” was designed to highlight the economic potential of Kenya’s water resources, particularly along the Lake Victoria basin.

Homa Bay’s strategic location on the lakefront made it a natural choice to host the event, with government officials describing it as a perfect opportunity to spotlight the administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA)