Thousands of Kenyans gathered at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi for the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations on December 12, 2025. Citizens began streaming into the venue as early as 6 AM, filling the stadium with hope for encouragement amidst prevailing economic challenges. The event, marked nationwide across various counties, was officiated by President William Ruto, with its central theme revolving around tourism.

The distinguished list of attendees included First Lady Rachel Ruto, and Ghana’s President John Mahama, who served as the chief guest for this year's ceremony. Prominent Kenyan leaders present were Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Chief Justice Martha Koome, and Attorney General Dorcas Oduor. Cabinet Secretaries, including Ali Hassan Joho (Mining), Rebecca Miano (Tourism), Kipchumba Murkomen (Interior), Hannah Cheptumo (Gender), and Erick Muuga (Water), were also in attendance. The presidential dais also saw the presence of Members of Parliament, judiciary officials, and Speakers of both houses of parliament. International dignitaries included Burundi Vice President Prosper Bazombanza, Uganda’s Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, ministers from Tanzania, Rwanda, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Italy, and officials from the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).

President William Ruto arrived shortly after 10 AM, proceeding to inspect the guard of honour. The celebrations featured vibrant entertainment, including tourism-themed skits led by comedian Kazungu Matano, popularly known as Captain Otoyo, who highlighted notable Kenyan parks and tourist attraction sites. Musical performances by bands such as Maroon Commandos and Kayamba Africa filled the air with songs and dance, with many attendees joining in spirited jigs. Hundreds of young Kenyans, dressed in the national flag colours of red, black, white, and green, visually represented the flag on opposite sides of the stadium, waving miniature flags and dancing. A significant moment also involved the recognition and celebration of the Kenyan police mission that spent 17 months in Haiti to restore peace.

A notable proposal came from Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who suggested that next year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations be held at Talanta Stadium. More significantly, Sakaja urged President Ruto to rename the facility "Raila Odinga International Stadium" in honor of the late former Prime Minister, a proposal that garnered strong support from the audience. The President called for a minute of silence in honor of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, though the gesture was observed amid chants of the late leader's name from the crowd. Ghana’s President John Mahama, in his address, extended personal condolences and the sympathy of Ghanaians on the passing of the great statesman, Raila Odinga.

During his speech, President John Mahama emphasized the importance of transparent and accountable leadership, along with unleashing youth creativity, stating, "We must show Pan-African solidarity with all members of the African diaspora." Deputy President Kithure Kindiki energized the crowd with his newly coined slogans, ‘fire si fire’ and ‘noma si noma’. In counties like Kakamega, where Governor Fernandes Barasa was among guests, speeches dominated by calls for improved security ahead of Christmas festivities, discussions on alleged unfulfilled government promises, and messages of national unity were heard. While some county events experienced low attendance, President Ruto’s allies and government officials used the occasion to underscore his administration's development milestones.