By Anderson Ojwang
After the 10 February 1984 Wagalla massacre by the Kenya Army, on Monday President William Ruto will preside over the healing and reconciliation of Wajir and open a new chapter in the region with infrastructural development.
Madaraka Day, a special day in Kenya’s historic calendar as the day the country attained internal self-rule from the British colonial administration, will on Monday see the Wajir celebration mark a new chapter and dawn between the Kenya Army and the community.
The Madaraka celebration in Wajir is significant not only to the region but nationally, as it will heal old wounds and help erase the sad memories of the 1984 massacre.
During the massacre, government troops were ordered to stop clan violence in the area and did so by first detaining some 5,000 locals at an airstrip, denying them food and water for a week, and then shooting them. The massacre was not investigated by the Kenya government until 2011.
President Ruto’s healing and reconciliation
Internal Security Permanent Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo recently led the National Celebrations Steering Committee on an inspection visit of Wajir Stadium and related infrastructure in Wajir County.
“The visit focused on assessing preparedness for the national event, including stadium readiness, logistical arrangements and supporting facilities to ensure a smooth and dignified celebration. With rehearsals already underway, teams on the ground are fine-tuning coordination, movement and programme flow to guarantee seamless execution on the day of the celebrations,” he said.
In the team were the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, host Governor Hon. Ahmed Abdullahi, colleague PS Ummi Bashir (Culture, Arts & Heritage), Principal Secretary for National Government Coordination in the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Ahmed Abdisalan, and Wajir East MP Hon. Adan Daud.
He said the decision to hold the celebration in Wajir was part of the national policy to rotate key celebrations across regions and promote inclusive development.
“Wajir Town hosting this year’s Madaraka Day marks a historic first for the North Eastern Region,” he said.
Development
Dr Omollo said in preparation, the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) were on the ground upgrading critical road networks to bitumen standards – an intervention that not only supports the successful hosting of the event but also unlocks long-term gains in trade, connectivity and urban growth.
“The upgraded corridors are being designed to sustain a vibrant 24-hour economy, integrating modern features such as solar street lighting and clearly marked pedestrian crossings to enhance mobility, safety and accessibility within the town,” he said.
The PS said in tandem, the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration was playing a key role in ensuring that these urban improvements were grounded in safety and order, reinforcing secure public spaces and coordinated operations that support both the event and the town’s continued transformation.
First stadium
Dr Omollo said from independence, Wajir has never had a stadium, relying instead on open, undeveloped grounds such as Wajir Baraza Park for community events and public gatherings.
“Sixty-two years later, under the leadership of H.E. President William Ruto, the town is witnessing a transformative shift, demonstrated in the rapid progress of the Wajir Stadium, now 84 percent complete,” he said.
Dr Omollo said works were being fast-tracked ahead of the June 1st Madaraka Day celebrations, positioning the facility as both a national event venue and a long-term asset for sports development in the region.
“Managed by the Ministry of Defence through the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the ultra-modern complex is on course for timely completion, allowing adequate time for national rehearsals,” he said.
He said the 10,000-seater stadium features a full-sized football pitch designed for artificial turf installation, a standard eight-lane running track, modern changing rooms, VIP lounges, spectator amenities and terrace seating with seat installation works underway, alongside ample parking and a borehole that ensures a reliable water supply for overall operations.
“This investment is set to unlock significant benefits for Wajir and the wider North Eastern Region, providing a platform for local talent to thrive, stimulating small businesses and fostering social cohesion through sports and community events,” he said.
He said the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration was leading a multi-agency team in delivering the project, ensuring seamless coordination and high standards.
“The Department will also continue to safeguard the facility beyond the celebrations, reinforcing security and preserving it as a safe, vibrant public space for years to come,” he said.
