The highly anticipated Raha Fest New Year’s Eve celebration, headlined by Jamaican dancehall star Shenseea, ended in disarray, casting doubts on the future of one of Kenya’s most celebrated music festivals
Raha Fest, which debuted in 2024 with remarkable success, had set out to place Kenya on the map alongside global entertainment giants like South Africa, Ghana, and Nigeria. With previous events featuring stars such as Davido, King Promise, Rema, and Ruger, expectations for the New Year’s Eve edition were sky-high.
However, the December 31 event at Uhuru Gardens was marred by chaotic incidents, including the use of teargas to quell unrest among attendees. Headliner Shenseea was forced to cut her performance short after just two songs, while Alikiba returned to the stage after a brief evacuation, demonstrating resilience despite the turmoil.
In the aftermath, the event organizers released a statement addressing their disappointment.
They criticized what they described as a “growing culture of entitlement” among some attendees, blaming it for the disruption.
“Such actions tarnish Kenya’s reputation as a global entertainment destination and pose serious risks to international artists, sponsors, and local fans,” the statement read.
The organizers thanked their partners, vendors, and staff for their dedication despite the challenges. They also issued apologies to ticket holders whose experiences were negatively impacted.
While the organizers did not announce any immediate decisions regarding the festival’s future, the chaos raises questions about the sustainability of large-scale international events in Kenya. The incident has sparked discussions about improving security, crowd control, and fostering a more supportive festival culture.
As Raha Fest reevaluates its direction, the organizers remain hopeful that the lessons learned will help elevate Kenya’s entertainment scene to greater heights.
