Hundreds Travel to Wajir Ahead of Historic Madaraka Day Celebrations

May 31, 2026 - Hundreds of buses carrying delegations from Mandera and Garissa counties have begun travelling to Wajir ahead of the Madaraka Day celebrations set to be held on Monday.

The Standard has learned that delegates have been mobilised by local chiefs from villages across Northeastern Kenya to witness what many residents have described as a historic moment since Kenya gained independence.

Hundreds of buses have been hired to transport delegates to Wajir, with some groups also using school buses.

“I received a text message and was also asked by the chief to represent my village. I am delighted to be among the delegates who will witness this moment,” said Mzee Mohamed Abdi, one of the delegates travelling from Garissa County.

During Eid ul-Adha prayers, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi confirmed that the county is expecting a high number of visitors from across the region, noting that this will be the first time a national celebration of this scale is being hosted in the county since independence.

Senior government officials and county leaders were on Saturday finalising preparations for the national event, which is expected to attract thousands of participants, government officials and guests from across the country.

Wajir County Traffic Base Commander Ibrahim Gedi outlined traffic management plans ahead of the celebrations, saying some roads will be temporarily closed to facilitate the movement of the President and other senior government and political leaders, while designated routes will be reserved for delegates arriving from different regions.

He said traffic will be diverted from areas along the President’s route to alternative roads. Motorists travelling into Wajir Town from either Mandera or Garissa will also be redirected to bypass routes around the outskirts of the town.

Gedi added that delegates attending the celebrations from outside Wajir have been assigned specific access points, where police officers will be stationed to guide traffic and maintain order.

“All delegates have designated routes and entry points, and police officers will be stationed there. We urge motorists to cooperate and follow all instructions issued by security officers,” he said.