The government has confirmed that this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations will proceed as scheduled in Kitui County despite the ongoing national mourning for the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura said the celebrations, set for Monday, October 20, 2025, will take place at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui, in accordance with the Public Holidays Act and Article 9(3) of the Constitution of Kenya (2010).
“The government affirms with unwavering resolve that Mashujaa Day, our sacred celebration of Kenya’s heroes, will proceed as planned,” Mwaura noted in a statement released Saturday October 18, 2025.
“The government continues to mourn the loss of Raila Odinga, a great hero and statesman, whose indomitable spirit shaped our nation’s journey.”
Mwaura described Mashujaa Day as a cornerstone of citizens’ collective identity, where Kenyans gather to honor the sacrifices of those who built the nation.
While noting that some peripheral events, including Energy Week and the Media Breakfast have been postponed to allow space for reflection and mourning, Mwaura said the main national celebration would go on in full honor of Kenya’s heroes.
He called on Kenyans to turn out in large numbers to celebrate the country’s heroes and to honor the memory of Raila Odinga through unity and resilience.
“Let us come together as one people to celebrate the enduring legacy of Raila Odinga and all our Mashujaa. 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 said.
This year’s celebrations in Kitui are expected to attract national and county leaders, as well as thousands of Kenyans from different parts of the country.
Initially, President William Ruto had announced a seven-day mourning period for the late former Prime Minister Raila, who is set to be buried on October 19, 2025.
Meanwhile, the highly anticipated development tour of the Ukambani region by President William Ruto was called off following the sudden death of Raila.
