Kamukunji Mashujaa Day: Leaders call for unity, cleanliness, and development

Kamukunji Sub-county hosted its Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kamukunji Technical and Vocational College in Airbase Ward.

The event was led by Deputy County Commissioner Ronald Mwiwawi and attended by all local chiefs and subcounty leaders. The gathering marked a significant occasion for the residents of Kamukunji as they commemorated the sacrifices of Kenyan heroes.

The celebrations included entertainment performances by students from various schools across Kamukunji, both public and private. These performances aimed to bring the community together and showcase the talents of the youth in the subcounty.

In his address, Mwiwawi thanked all attendees for participating in the event but expressed concern over the low turnout. He pointed out that Kamukunji has a large population and noted that it was disappointing to see such a small crowd for such an important event.

"Kamukunji has so many people, it's not good seeing such a low turnout for such a big event," Mwiwawi said.

Before delivering the president's official speech, Mwiwawi emphasised the need for residents to embrace patriotism and take responsibility for keeping the sub-county clean. The call for cleanliness was echoed by other leaders, who urged citizens to work together to improve the environment of Kamukunji and ensure a better future for all.

Learners from New Eastleigh Primary School entertaining the attendees of the Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kamukunji. (Photo: Ahmed Shafat)

Mashujaa Day is a national holiday in Kenya, celebrated to honour the bravery and sacrifices of the Kenyan people who fought for their freedom. The day serves as a reminder of the struggles for independence and the responsibility of all citizens to contribute to the nation's development.

During the event, Mwiwawi read President William Ruto's speech, in which the president underscored the importance of unity and progress in Kenya. Ruto emphasised that Kenya will not return to divisive politics based on ethnicity, personality, or exclusion. He highlighted the diversity of Kenya's heroes, noting that they came from different regions, and spoke different languages, but were united in their commitment to confronting an unjust system.

"Our heroes did not hail from one village or speak one language. Our heroes are numerous and diverse, united by a principled commitment to confront an unjust, exclusive, and oppressive system in pursuit of the noble vision of national liberation," Ruto's speech read.

The president also addressed ongoing challenges in Kenya, including unemployment, poverty, and inequality. He stated that these issues are not only undesirable but are also unacceptable in light of the legacy left by Kenya's heroes.

Some of the attendees of the Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kamukunji. (Photo: Ahmed Shafat)

Ruto outlined the government's efforts to transform the agricultural sector. He noted that investments are being made to improve various agricultural value chains, including fisheries, horticulture, and livestock farming. These efforts aim to boost production, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase exports, ultimately leading to greater economic growth.

"We are driving agricultural transformation through major interventions across all value chains, including fisheries and aquaculture, horticulture, food crops, livestock, beekeeping, and rangeland development. Investments are being made to boost production and supply of quality inputs, provide extension services, reduce post-harvest losses, and maximise returns for producers," Ruto said.

The celebrations at Kamukunji mirrored the national theme of progress and accountability, with a focus on unity and development. Local leaders emphasised the need for community involvement in achieving these goals and urged residents to work together to ensure continued growth and improvement in Kamukunji.

The event concluded with a sense of renewed commitment to the ideals of Mashujaa Day, reflecting the ongoing efforts to honour Kenya's past while striving for a better future.