Unfinished Kipchoge Keino Stadium Leaves Ruto and Ethiopian PM Struggling Under the Scorching Sun

President William Ruto and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed found themselves exposed to the hot sun during this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret on Tuesday,October 20,2026.

The national event attracted top government officials,invited guests and members of the public, but unfinished roofing at the stadium became an unexpected talking point as some people struggled with the heat during the ceremony.

Abit who attended the celebrations as the chief guest was captured using a piece of paper to shield his face from direct sunlight while seated at the VIP podium.Ruto was also seen squinting as he watched military aircraft fly overhead during the air display.

Other leaders,including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and First Lady Rachel Ruto were also affected by the lack of sufficient shade.Members of the public seated in the stands faced similar conditions with some guests using umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun.

Although a canopy had been installed over part of the VIP podium,it did not cover the entire section, leaving several dignitaries exposed during the celebrations.

The situation drew attention to the state of Kipchoge Keino Stadium,which had been undergoing major renovation works in preparation for the national holiday.

As of October 12,the stadium was reported to be 78 per cent complete.Contractors were still working on the roofing with more than 659 workers deployed to speed up construction ahead of the October 20 deadline.

The government had prioritised completing the sections required for the celebrations so the venue could host the President,foreign dignitaries and thousands of Kenyans,even as other construction activities remained unfinished.

Kipchoge Keino Stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 15,000 people.Additional arrangements had also been made to accommodate more attendees during the national event.

The remaining construction work is expected to continue after Mashujaa Day with full completion targeted for the end of December 2026.

The scenes at the stadium highlighted the pressure to prepare major public infrastructure within a tight deadline,as Eldoret hosted the national celebrations despite the incomplete roofing.

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