Chaos and drama unfolded at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Kisumu during the much-anticipated Msuqa Festival, which drew a crowd of over 10,000 rhumba fans.
The unrest began when fans, who had flocked to the venue as early as 6 p.m., were left waiting until 3 a.m. for Congolese superstar Koffi Olomide to take the stage.
Expectations soon gave way to frustration as Olomide’s loyal supporters grew increasingly restless, leading to disruptions before the artist finally performed.
Fans Demand Answers
Crowds surged toward the stage, demanding explanations about Olomide’s whereabouts, which caused interruptions to the event’s program.
In a now-viral video, Market Milimani Ward Representative Seth Kanga stormed the stage and grabbed the microphone from Ohangla musician Prince Indah. Kanga, visibly frustrated, shouted in vernacular, “Koffi Omwalowa” (“Koffi has robbed us”), before being escorted away by heavily armed security personnel.
Disgruntled Fans Speak Out
When Olomide eventually took to the stage, his performance left many attendees disappointed. One fan, Zachary Mbima, who had arrived at 8 p.m., voiced his frustration:
“I can’t believe I paid Sh15,000 just to watch Koffi shout ‘Yaka! Yaka Makisa! Yaka Mopao!’ into the microphone for 10 minutes before leaving. I deeply regret spending my hard-earned money. I could have been at home with my family.”
Promoter Explains the Delays
Event promoter Jules Nsana, speaking to Nation, attributed the chaos to unforeseen logistical challenges. Nsana explained that Koffi Olomide’s 20-member Quarter Latin Band had failed to arrive on time due to travel disruptions.
“The band was delayed in Uganda due to flight complications,” Nsana revealed.
While Olomide himself managed to arrive on schedule aboard a Kenya Airways flight, his band members encountered clearance delays at the Busia border, which further derailed the event’s timeline.
