The government has announced that this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations will go on as planned, despite the nation being in mourning following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga.
In a statement on Saturday, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura affirmed that the 2025 Mashujaa Day celebrations, a constitutionally enshrined public holiday under the Public Holidays Act, will be held on Monday, October 20, at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County.
Mwaura said the event remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s national identity and a time to salute the sacrifices of heroes who built and defended the nation.
“In the shadow of this loss, the Government affirms with unwavering resolve that Mashujaa Day, our sacred celebration of Kenya’s heroes, will proceed as planned,” he stated.
According to the statement, the government has postponed peripheral events such as Energy Week and the Media Breakfast.
The move, he said, was made to allow the country space for reflection and mourning, as directed by President William Ruto.
However, Mwaura emphasized that the main national celebrations will go on in full honor of Kenya’s heroes, both past and present.
He urged Kenyans to turn out in large numbers at the Kitui event to celebrate the life and legacy of Raila and other national heroes.
“The government calls upon all Kenyans to turn out in great numbers for Mashujaa Day 2025,” he said.
“Let us come together as one people to celebrate the enduring legacy of the Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga and all our mashujaa.”
Mwaura encouraged citizens to use the occasion to honor Raila’s memory through unity, patriotism, and resilience.
“On this day, let us not only mourn but rise in the spirit of harambee, honoring our fallen hero by recommitting to the dream of a stronger, united Kenya,” he added.
The 2025 Mashujaa Day celebrations will be the first to take place in Kitui County.
Mwaura said Raila will be laid to rest on Sunday at his home in Bondo, Siaya County.
He described Raila as a great hero and statesman whose indomitable spirit shaped Kenya’s history.
“The Government continues to mourn the loss of the Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga, a great hero and statesman, whose indomitable spirit shaped our nation’s journey,” Mwaura said.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
