Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye has arrived in the country ahead of the Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kitui County.
President Faye touched down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Sunday, October 19 evening and was received by Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya.
In a statement, CS Mvurya said the Senegalese President will be the chief guest of the Mashujaa Day celebrations.
President Faye will also use the visit to Kenya to strengthen bilateral relations between Kenya and Senegal.
“It is my distinct honor, as the Escort of Honor, to receive and welcome His Excellency Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, President of the Republic of Senegal, at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.
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“President Bassirou is in Kenya to grace tomorrow’s Mashujaa Day Celebrations in Kitui County as a distinguished Guest of Honour, and to undertake a State Visit aimed at deepening and strengthening the bilateral relations, cooperation, and shared aspirations between Kenya and Senegal,” said CS Mvurya.
This marks President Faye’s first visit to Kenya since assuming office as the Senegalese Head of State in April 2024.
President William Ruto is set to lead this year’s Mashujaa Day Celebrations at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County.
On Saturday, October 18, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura confirmed that the celebrations will proceed as planned despite the passing away of ODM leader Raila Odinga.
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,” he stated.
However, Mwaura said peripheral events, such as the energy week and the media breakfast, have been postponed to allow space for reflection and mourning of Raila.
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.
