A section of revelers who attended the highly anticipated Ngemi 6.0 cultural event at Boxwood Gardens in Limuru on Saturday have voiced disappointment over what they described as poor planning, inadequate security, overcrowding, and underwhelming entertainment.
The annual event, which has grown into one of the most celebrated gatherings showcasing Kikuyu culture, music, and entertainment, attracted thousands of attendees from across the country. However, despite the massive turnout, many participants say this year’s edition failed to meet expectations.
Security Concerns Dominate Complaints
One of the biggest issues raised by attendees was security.
Several revelers took to social media claiming that numerous mobile phones were stolen during the event, leaving many frustrated and questioning whether adequate security measures had been put in place.
Others alleged that a large number of people gained entry into the venue without proper accreditation, tickets, or identification tags, raising concerns about crowd control and event management.
The claims have sparked debate online, with some attendees calling on organizers to review their security protocols ahead of future editions.
Overcrowding Raises Safety Questions
Many attendees also criticized what they termed poor crowd management, saying the venue became excessively crowded as the day progressed.
According to some revelers, moving around the venue became increasingly difficult due to the large numbers, leading to discomfort and concerns about safety in the event of an emergency.
Photos and videos shared online showed packed sections of the venue, with some participants arguing that the event may have exceeded its comfortable capacity.
Entertainment Line-Up Draws Criticism
Apart from security and crowding concerns, entertainment was another major talking point.
A section of attendees expressed disappointment with the artist line-up, claiming that previous editions of Ngemi featured bigger and more popular performers.
Some argued that the entertainment programme lacked the energy and star power that had helped establish the event as one of the most anticipated cultural festivals in the region.
Organizers Yet to Respond
Despite the growing criticism online, organizers had not publicly addressed the complaints by the time of publication.
Ngemi has built a strong reputation over the past two years as a premier celebration of Kikuyu culture, attracting thousands of young people through music, fashion, food, and cultural expression.
As discussions continue online, many attendees are now calling on organizers to address the concerns raised and implement improvements to ensure future editions deliver a better experience for revelers.
