NAIROBI, Kenya — Residents of Nairobi West are demanding compensation from the government after a low-flying military jet caused widespread property damage during the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday.
The incident occurred on December 12 when a Kenya Air Force Northrop F-5 Tiger II fighter jet flew at an unusually low altitude over the stadium as part of an aerial display, triggering panic among thousands of spectators and leaving a trail of destruction in the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Residents say the jet’s proximity shattered windows, cracked walls, and caused structural damage to several residential and commercial buildings along its flight path, with Nairobi West bearing the brunt.
Preliminary estimates by affected homeowners put losses at thousands of shillings, though a formal assessment is yet to be conducted.
“The sound was deafening. Windows broke instantly, and people ran out of their houses thinking something had gone terribly wrong,” said one resident, who described the flyover as reckless and avoidable. Others reported fleeing their homes in fear as the jet thundered overhead.
The flypast also startled dignitaries inside Nyayo Stadium, including President William Ruto, cabinet members, and senior military officers, who were visibly shaken by the aircraft’s low pass.
Video clips circulating online show moments of confusion among attendees as the jet roared overhead.
Residents are now calling on the government and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to take responsibility, compensate victims, and provide assurances that similar incidents will not occur during future national celebrations.
“We are not against national celebrations or the military, but safety must come first. Someone could have been seriously injured,” said another resident, adding that authorities should review protocols governing aerial displays over densely populated areas.
The Jamhuri Day celebrations drew thousands of Kenyans to the 18,000-seater Nyayo National Stadium, with gates opening at 4:00 a.m. and the venue nearly full by 8:00 a.m. President Ruto arrived shortly after 9:00 a.m., received by Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri, before inspecting a guard of honour mounted by the Kenya Army.
The event, themed around tourism, wildlife, meetings, incentives, and exhibitions, featured march-pasts by security agencies and aerial displays by Kenya Air Force aircraft.
In his address, President Ruto led the nation in observing a minute of silence in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, paying tribute to his service and legacy.
He also approved the renaming of Talanta Stadium to Raila Odinga International Stadium upon its completion, following a request by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
