President William Ruto and military chiefs look skywards during a military aircraft display as Kenya marked 62nd Jamhuri Day at Nyayo Stadium, December 12, 2025. /OKUSI TECHEA light moment of unintended comedy broke out at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday after a fighter jet streaked over the venue with thunderous force, briefly startling some of the country’s top leaders during Jamhuri Day celebrations.
The 62nd anniversary of Kenya’s independence had begun with full state pomp: the arrival of dignitaries, President William Ruto’s inspection of the Guard of Honour, and a meticulously choreographed programme of military ceremony and entertainment.
Then came the crowd favourite — the Kenya Defence Forces fly-past — where fighter jets and helicopters carve the sky in a dramatic exhibition of Kenya’s military capability.
As the aircraft thundered into view, the commentator teased the spectators, quipping: “Wengi wa wananchi wanaweza tu kusikia sauti lakini ndege hawaioni.”
The pilots, as always, delivered spectacle with flair: razor-sharp turns, high-speed passes and formations so precise they seemed drawn with a ruler.
The stadium buzzed with excitement. But the final jet had its own sense of humour.
It tore past the stands with a roar so explosive it rattled the air, prompting a split-second of collective instinct.
Spectators, including the President and VIPs on the dais, reflexively ducked as though the aircraft were swooping just a little too low for comfort.
President William Ruto and military chiefs look skywards during a military aircraft display as Kenya marked 62nd Jamhuri Day at Nyayo Stadium, December 12, 2025. /OKUSI TECHEOnce the boom faded, the President and dignitaries broke into appreciative applause, perhaps acknowledging both the skill of the pilot and the unexpected jolt of adrenaline.
Meanwhile, the top military bosses — led by Chief of the Defence Forces Charles Kahariri — remained as steady as statues, not a flinch in sight.
The moment, captured on video, quickly found its way to social media, where Kenyans unleashed a wave of amused reactions.
“Huyo fighter jet pilot amekuja very close sana wakuu,” one user marvelled.
“The two soldiers are used to the sounds; they were just chilling,” another observed.
“Kwani hiyo jet ilikuwa na makombora? Kila mtu alikuwa chini, sija heal,” joked a Kenyan still recovering from the shock.
“Ilikuwa lazima apite chini evo? Adi sai naumwa na kichwa,” added another.
Others focused on the unshakeable military officers: “Soldiers next kwa Preso nimependa, no shake shake.”
“Noticed how the generals are steady and calm.”
“Leo nimejua kuna tofauti kati ya raia na jeshi.”
One user quipped, “Speed ya risasi na hiyo ndege utofauti ni kidogo sana,” while another offered a humorous economic theory: “Wanapita mbio ndio wa-save mafuta.”
And in true Kenyan fashion, geopolitics made a cameo: “Uganda kujia sasa Indian Ocean,” someone joked, referencing recent comments by President Yoweri Museveni.
“I just love the way the trained soldiers did not even move an inch,” wrote another.
“Wanajeshi wetu wako imaraa, hakuna kustuka.”
“The generals not flinching means they’re used to these stuff.”
Kenya’s aerial displays often feature the Northrop F-5 Tiger II, a supersonic jet capable of high-speed fly-bys and sharp manoeuvres, typically accompanied by helicopters such as the Bell II Huey.
On Friday, they put on a show that Kenyans will replay — and laugh about — for a long time.
