Kisumu set for 2024 Madaraka Festival

By Peter Ochieng

The 2024 edition of the Madaraka Festival will be hosted in Kisumu.

For 9 years, the festival has been held in the United States of America (USA), with proceeds being ploughed into supporting community led initiatives in Kenya.

Addressing the press at the One Vibe Africa offices in Manyatta, Kisumu on Wednesday, Simon Javan Okelo, Madaraka Festival founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) said this year’s event will be held at the Tom Mboya Labour College on December 14.

The theme, he said, is Omena.

“When you come to the event, you will experience different Omena cuisines. You will also learn more on how we can take back the power of Omena,” said the CEO.

He continued, “Omena is like the gold of the Lake region. And we are launching an Omena brand known as Omena train during the Madaraka Festival on December 14th.”

“I want to urge you whether you are in Kisumu, Kakamega, Nakuru, Mombasa, Kampala. All roads will be leading to the Tom Mboya Labour College for Madaraka Festival’s 10th anniversary.”

According to his YouTube profile, Okelo grew up in Manyatta, serving as the Field Director of Solace International and Co-Director of the Young Generation Centre, from 2002-2010, where he directed humanitarian projects in Malawi, Kenya, Ghana, Liberia and South Sudan.

He went to the US in 2010, being able to organise events and digital campaigns celebrating the African diaspora locally and globally.

He is expected to perform his Omena song during the festival. Other artists expected to perform during the event are Shamiri of the ‘Fimbo Chapa’ fame, Eddy Kenzo from Uganda, Apesi, Dabbizo ‘Mtu Necessary,’ Khaligraph Jones, John Junior, Costa Ojwang and Shari Africa among others.

Tickets are available on the Hustle Sasa platform. Regular tickets are going for Sh1,000, VIP Sh4, 000 and VVIP Sh8,000.

Over 5, 000 people are expected to attend the event, with ticket prices likely to go up as the date moves closer.