Jamaican dancehall artiste Shenseea’s anticipated New Year’s Eve performance in Nairobi ended abruptly after just seven minutes, following political protests at the event.
The show, held in Kenya’s capital, was disrupted when sections of the crowd began chanting #RutoMustGo, expressing dissatisfaction with President William Ruto’s leadership.
As the chants intensified, tensions escalated, prompting police intervention. The situation quickly deteriorated when a teargas canister was reportedly thrown into the crowd, forcing attendees to disperse and bringing the event to an unexpected halt.
Fans were left disappointed as Shenseea’s performance, one of the night’s highlights, was cut short due to the chaos. Videos and reactions from the incident have since circulated widely on social media, with some attendees criticizing the handling of the situation while others lamented the lost opportunity to enjoy the artist’s full set.
Shenseea, known for her electrifying stage presence and global hits, has yet to issue a statement regarding the incident. However, the abrupt end to her performance has sparked conversations about the intersection of politics and entertainment in Kenya, as well as the safety and management of large-scale events.
While the night was intended to be a celebratory start to 2025, the disruption has left a lasting impression on those in attendance and underscored the political tensions currently gripping the nation.