Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kitui to proceed as planned as nation mourns Raila Odinga

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura urged Kenyans to turn up in large numbers, saying the day will also serve as a tribute to the fallen statesman.
Mashujaa Day celebrations will continue as planned on Monday, October 20, 2025, at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County, even as the country continues to mourn the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the government has said.
In a statement, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura urged Kenyans to turn up in large numbers, saying the day will also serve as a tribute to the fallen statesman.
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He described the late leader as “a great hero and statesman, whose indomitable spirit shaped our nation’s journey.”
“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. 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.
He, however, noted that some auxiliary events related to the holiday have been put on hold to allow the nation time to reflect and mourn the departed leader.
“While peripheral events, such as Energy Week and the Media Breakfast, have been respectfully postponed to allow space for reflection and mourning as directed by President William Samoei Ruto, the core celebrations will unfold in full honour of our heroes, past and present,” he said.
The Government Spokesperson called on Kenyans across the country to attend the celebrations in large numbers, adding that the event would also pay tribute to the life and legacy of the late Odinga.
“The government calls upon all Kenyans to turn out in great numbers for Mashujaa Day 2025. Let us come together as one people to celebrate the enduring legacy of the Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga and all our mashujaa,” Mwaura said.
He further encouraged Kenyans to mark the day in unity and resilience.
“Bring your voices and your stories in unity of resilience to weave a living tribute to a man who taught us to stand tall. On this day, let us not only mourn but rise in the spirit of Harambee, honouring our fallen hero by recommitting to the dream of a stronger, united Kenya,” Mwaura said.
Mashujaa Day, formerly known as Kenyatta Day, is one of Kenya’s key national holidays that celebrates men and women who contributed to the country’s freedom and progress. This year’s celebrations in Kitui are expected to attract national and county leaders, as well as thousands of Kenyans from across the country.
The announcement comes amid a seven-day period of national mourning declared by President William Ruto following the death of the former Prime Minister. Raila is set to be buried on Sunday in Bondo.
Following his death, President Ruto called off his planned development tour of the Ukambani region, which was set to begin on October 15 ahead of the national celebrations.
According to the initial programme, the President was expected to launch the Kwasiku-Migwani-Mbondoni road project in Mwingi West before proceeding to Kitui East to commission the Zombe-Mwitika road. He was also set to launch the Kangundo-Mwala road tarmacking and inspect key infrastructure projects across the three counties of Kitui, Makueni and Machakos.
This year’s Mashujaa Day is expected to draw dignitaries from across the country and abroad, even as Kenyans continue to honour the memory of one of the nation’s most influential political figures.
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