Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has confirmed that the Mashujaa Day celebrations will proceed as planned despite the passing away of ODM leader Raila Odinga.
In a statement on Saturday, October 18, Mwaura said the Mashujaa Day scheduled on Monday, October 20, 2025, at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County will take place in accordance with the Public Holidays Act.
Mwaura emphasized that the celebrations remain a cornerstone of Kenya’s collective identity to come together and salute the sacrifices of those who built the nation.
“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,” read part of the statement.
However, the government spokesperson said peripheral events, such as the energy week and the media breakfast, have been postponed to allow space for reflection and mourning of Raila.
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Further, Mwaura called on members of the public to turn up in numbers for the Mashujaa Day Celebrations in Ithokwee Stadium.
“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.
“Bring your voices and your stories in unity of resilience to weave a living tribute to a man who taught us to stand tall,” Mwaura added.
Mashujaa Day, which is marked annually on October 20, honours and pays tribute to Kenyans who significantly contributed to the country's struggle for independence from colonial rule.
At least 10,000 people are expected to attend this year’s celebrations, which will be presided over by President William Ruto.
The national celebrations were devolved by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2016.
In the arrangement, counties host two of the three annual national holidays on a rotational basis while Nairobi retains one, Independence Day on December 12, otherwise known as Jamhuri Day.
Previously, all the national holiday celebrations were celebrated in Nairobi.
