Raha Fest Organisers Blame Gatecrashers for New Year’s Chaos, Urge Kenyans to Reflect.
- Jiupdate reporter
- Jan 2
- 2 min read
The highly anticipated Raha Fest on New Year’s Eve ended in chaos, leaving revelers demanding refunds and organizers contemplating the event’s future. The festival, featuring Tanzanian sensation Ali Kiba, Jamaican dancehall star Shenseea, and top Kenyan artists, was marred by unruly gatecrashers and a disappointing end for fans.
Gatecrashers Disrupt Festivities
What was meant to be a night of celebration quickly turned into a nightmare when individuals without tickets forced their way into the venue. The surge overwhelmed security, prompting personnel to deploy teargas to regain control. Unfortunately, the situation escalated, cutting short performances and dampening the mood of the event.
Shenseea, a headline act who fans had eagerly awaited after her 2023 concert cancellation, was rushed offstage after performing only three songs. Her premature exit left many fans heartbroken, further fueling demands for refunds.
Organisers’ Strong Response
In a statement, Raha Fest organisers expressed regret over the disruptions, blaming the chaos on a section of unruly Kenyans. “We write this admitting that the Raha Fest of 31st December 2024 might be our last event in Kenya. As a brand, we have never compromised on standards. We delivered on all promised entertainment and experiences, but some Kenyans failed us,” read the statement.
The organizers detailed their year-long efforts to host world-class events featuring global stars like Davido, King Promise, Ruger, Ayra Starr, and Daliwonga. Despite these efforts, they lamented a growing trend of entitlement among some Kenyans, which they described as a dangerous precedent for the local events industry.
Fan Backlash and Calls for Refunds
Angry fans took to social media to voice their frustrations, demanding refunds and questioning the festival’s security measures. Many expressed disappointment, particularly with the handling of the chaos and the teargas deployment, which affected both paying attendees and performers.
The Future of Raha Fest
The organizers hinted that this may have been the last Raha Fest, citing safety concerns and the challenges of managing entitled behavior. “Some Kenyans believe they should not buy tickets to events but are entitled to 'occupy' them. This trend is deeply worrying, posing an immense danger to paying fans, artists, organizers, and security personnel,” the statement added.
As fans await a final decision on the festival’s fate, the incident serves as a wake-up call for both event organizers and attendees. For now, the Raha Fest’s future remains uncertain, leaving a void in Kenya’s entertainment calendar.
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