The New Year’s Eve edition of Raha Fest held at Uhuru Gardens ended prematurely after the event descended into chaos.
This is after police were forced to intervene, firing teargas multiple times to disperse unruly crowds attempting to gain unauthorized entry to the event headlined by Jamaica’s Shenseea and Tanzania’s Ali Kiba.

Jamaican artist @SHENYENG performing her hit song 'Shenyeng Anthem' at #RahaFest moments before the event was disrupted by teargas #TheSauceKe pic.twitter.com/JacyuUFLPP
— The Sauce (@TheSauceKe) January 1, 2025
Ali Kiba’s captivating performance was unfortunately interrupted by the teargas, forcing him to briefly retreat from the stage. However, he was able to resume and complete his set.

The time fans overpowered security at Raha Fest and caused a stampede.
— FAMOUS MEDIA (@thefamoustvke) December 31, 2024
Police were forced to use teargas after this incident to control the crowd that was still outside Uhuru Gardens #Shenseea #Rahafest #Alikiba @dennothefamous pic.twitter.com/vq960gMx7x

The night’s headliner, Shenseea, was far less fortunate. Her maiden performance in Kenya, was tragically cut short after only ten minutes as she was swiftly escorted to safety due to the proximity of the teargas to the stage.

Revellers went on to social media to protest the insecurity, stinging effects of teargas and not getting their money’s worth at the highly anticipated concert.



Earlier performances by Kenyan stars Ndovu Kuu, Lil Maina, FatherMoh and Ugandan artist Joshua Baraka went on as planned without any hitches.


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This unfortunate turn of events left a significant blemish on what was otherwise anticipated to be a memorable celebration to usher in the new year.