Kitui County is set to host the National Mashujaa Day celebrations as the country still continues to mourn the death of former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga.
Preparations for the celebration which are set to take place on Monday 20th October at Ithookwe stadium in Kitui County were in high gear with last minute rehearsals underway with 20,000 guests expected to attend the event themed ‘Transforming Lives Through Sustainable Energy.’
The National Heroes Council chairman Charles Wambia said 184 individuals will be awarded in 14 heroic categories.
A spot check by KBC Digital confirmed that the preparations at the venue for this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations were in top gear from security, logistics, and technical arrangements been finalized.
Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection Dr. Alfred Mutua commended the team involved in the preparation for doing an excellent job.
“Kitui is ready to host the nation for a colourful, peaceful, and well-coordinated celebration in honour of our heroes,” CS Mutua said.
The celebrations comes barely hours after the burial ceremony of Raila Odinga who passed away on Wednesday last week which was attended by President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta and top Government officials.
“As we prepare to mark Mashujaa Day, together with other Kenyans, the nation bid farewell to one of its greatest sons; Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga 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,” he added.
Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura said the annual event shall proceed as scheduled in accordance with the Public Holidays Act and Article 9(3) of the Constitution of Kenya (2010) despite the country mourning the former Premier.
“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,” said Mwaura.
Despite the cancellation of several national government events were respectfully postponed to allow space for reflection and mourning as directed by President William Ruto, he said the core celebrations will unfold in full honor of our heroes, past and present
