Even as Kenya mourns the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, the country is pressing ahead with preparations to mark this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kitui County.
Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection Alfred Mutua has reaffirmed that everything is ready for the national event scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025. On Sunday, October 19, just hours after Raila’s burial in Bondo, Siaya County, Mutua visited Ithookwe Stadium to inspect final preparations.
“I visited Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County today, the venue for this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations, to review final preparations ahead of tomorrow’s national event,” Mutua stated in a post on X.
“I’m glad to report that everything is set. Security, logistics, and technical arrangements have been finalised, and both national and county teams have done an excellent job. Kitui is ready to host the nation for a colourful, peaceful, and well-coordinated celebration in honour of our heroes.”
The newly completed Ithookwe Stadium, which can seat 10,000 people, now features modern lighting, upgraded seating, a state lounge, and even an airstrip. Its completion marks a major milestone for Kitui County, which is hosting the national fete for the first time.
Mutua tied Raila’s legacy to the celebration, saying, “As we prepare to mark Mashujaa Day, together with other Kenyans, the nation bid farewell to one of its greatest sons; Rt. Hon. @RailaOdinga whose burial took place today in Bondo, Siaya County. His courage, sacrifice, and lifelong fight for democracy, justice, and equality transformed our great nation. His legacy will forever live on in the freedoms we enjoy and the unity he championed.”
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura confirmed that the Mashujaa Day celebrations will go on as planned despite the national mourning period.
“In the shadow of this loss, the Government affirms with unwavering resolve that Mashujaa Day, our sacred celebration of Kenya’s heroes, a constitutionally enshrined public holiday under the Public Holidays Act and aligned with Article 9(3) of the Constitution of Kenya (2010), will PROCEED as planned on Monday, October 20th, 2025, at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County,” he stated.
Mwaura added that while some peripheral events, such as Energy Week and the Media Breakfast, were postponed to allow room for reflection, the main national ceremony remains unchanged.
“This national holiday remains a cornerstone of our collective identity, where we gather to salute the sacrifices of those who built our nation,” he said.
Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka Kawaya echoed this assurance, saying, “Mashujaa Day is ON. We want to assure everyone that the Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kitui this Monday will go on as planned. It is a constitutional day that cannot be postponed.”
The celebrations in Kitui are expected to draw thousands of Kenyans and will feature military parades, cultural performances, and tributes honouring the country’s heroes, with Raila Odinga’s name expected to take a special place among them.
This year’s Mashujaa Day will be a rare mix of joy and grief, a celebration of Kenya’s heroes taking place in the shadow of one of its greatest.
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