NAIROBI, Kenya – The 62nd Madaraka Day celebration in Homa Bay was meant to be a proud national moment — until pickpockets hijacked the party.
More than 100 phones were reported stolen at the Raila Odinga Stadium during the festivities, leaving victims stunned and law enforcement scrambling.
How Thieves Exploited the Crowd
According to Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem, the majority of the thefts occurred as massive crowds pushed through the stadium’s entry points on Friday night.
Criminals reportedly orchestrated deliberate commotions, forcing people to shift from side to side, creating the perfect distraction to snatch phones, wallets, and other valuables.
Thefts weren’t limited to revelers. Even members of the press fell victim. Nation Media Group’s Homa Bay Correspondent, George Odiwuor, lost his mobile phone near the gate. Another journalist had his laptop stolen just moments before entering the venue.
By Sunday evening, police had arrested two individuals believed to be behind the robberies. Officers recovered at least 12 mobile phones and a wallet in their possession.
Koilem confirmed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is actively pursuing the case and urged those who lost devices to report to the nearest police station.
Authorities believe the arrests are just the beginning of a broader crackdown. With many victims yet to come forward, police are treating the investigation as ongoing, warning that more arrests could follow.
The incident has raised serious questions about crowd control and public safety during national events. Despite visible police presence, the sheer volume of attendees appears to have overwhelmed standard security measures.
As the country reflects on Madaraka Day, the chaos in Homa Bay serves as a stark reminder that large gatherings require smarter planning — and maybe tighter pockets.
If You Were There, Here’s What to Do
Lost your phone or wallet during the event? Authorities are encouraging victims to file reports with the DCI or their local police station. You might just get your device back — or at least help bring more culprits to justice
