Madaraka Day celebrations in Kisumu

This year's national Madaraka Day celebrations are being held at the Jomo Kenyatta international stadium in Kisumu amidst tight security.

By 9am, the area around the venue was already packed as local residents lined the roads to get a glimpse of President Uhuru Kenyatta and other dignitaries as they made their way to the stadium.

Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye will join President Kenyatta as the chief guest at this year's event. 

Dignitaries present include Deputy President William Ruto and his wife Rachel and ODM leader Raila Odinga accompanied by his wife Ida. Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong'o, Chief Justice Martha Koome, Musalia Mudavadi and Kalonzo Musyoka are also present.