What was billed as the ultimate New Year’s Eve extravaganza Raha Fest quickly turned into a night of drama, chaos, and dashed expectations as Shenseea took off from stage after being tear-gassed.
The much-anticipated Raha Fest, headlined by Jamaican dancehall queen Shenseea and Tanzanian music icon Ali Kiba, promised an unforgettable celebration at Nairobi’s Uhuru Gardens. Instead, it left fans stunned, disappointed, and yearning for answers.
A Night That Started With Promise
The evening kicked off on a high note with hyped DJ sets and energetic performances from Kenyan acts Lil Maina, Fathermoh, and Ndovu Kuu.
Ali Kiba then took the stage for the New Year’s countdown, delivering a mesmerizing performance as fireworks illuminated Nairobi’s skyline. For a moment, it felt like the perfect start to 2025.
From Fireworks to Tear Gas
The jubilant mood didn’t last long. A commotion outside the venue spiraled out of control as ticketless fans forced their way into the VIP section.
Police intervened with teargas, shattering the festive atmosphere and cutting Ali Kiba’s performance short.
The artist later returned to the stage, showcasing resilience, but the damage had already been done.
Shenseea’s Short-Lived Set
As tensions simmered, Shenseea took the stage at 2 a.m., electrifying the crowd with her energy. However, her performance was abruptly cut short after only seven minutes due to another teargas incident.
Whisked away by her security team, Shenseea later expressed her frustration online, writing: “Now, KENYA 😑😑😑😑😑 I’m a lil mad at y’all ngl!”
Chaos Within and Beyond
Inside the venue, panicked attendees scrambled for safety, and the VIP section turned into a chaotic zone. Outside, law enforcement clashed with unruly crowds trying to force entry.
The heavy-handed police response only heightened tensions, leaving fans angry and disillusioned.
A Festival Marred by Disappointment
In contrast to previous successful editions of Raha Fest, this year’s New Year’s event fell far short of expectations.
Poor crowd control, teargas disruptions, and a lackluster turnout overshadowed the star-studded lineup. Attendees, including CNN international correspondent Victoria Rubadiri, voiced their disappointment.
Lessons for the Future
While other events leading up to the grand finale were successful—such as Ya Levis’ explosive Raha Rave performance and thrilling sets by Victony, Buju, and Marioo—the chaos on December 31 cast a long shadow.
For organizers, the night was a harsh lesson in the need for meticulous planning and stronger security protocols.
Raha Fest 2024/25 will undoubtedly go down as one of Nairobi’s most dramatic New Year’s events—a night that promised so much but left behind a trail of chaos and disappointment.
Highlights of Shenseea’s Electrifying Performance:
Amid chaos, drama, tear gas, and confusion, Shenseea’s performance was heartbreakingly cut short, lasting less than 10 minutes.
