Mwala MP Vincent Kawaya, flagged by pro-government MPs, Permanent Secretaries, and other government-appointed officials from Ukambani address a press conference/HANDOUTPresident William Ruto's allies from Ukambani have dismissed claims that Mashujaa Day celebrations slated for Monday in Kitui County has been called off.
This comes amidst the presidential proclamation of a seven-day mourning period for the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who is set to be buried tomorrow.
Mwala MP Vincent Kawaya, flagged by pro-government MPs, Permanent Secretaries, and other government-appointed officials from Ukambani, addressed detractors and propagandists, affirming that the event will proceed as planned.
"We have come here to assure you that Mashujaa Day is on. It is a constitutional day that cannot be postponed," said Kawaya.
In a joint statement, Kawaya added that the event will also serve to honour Raila Odinga as a national hero who made a lasting impact on the country.
Ruto announced seven days of national mourning and a state funeral for Raila, who died Wednesday following a cardiac arrest while receiving medical treatment in India.
Raila was at the centre of Kenyan politics for decades, making alliances with rivals and inspiring loyalty from his base.
Ruto described him as "Kenya's foremost statesman and one of Africa's greatest sons... a giant of democracy, a fearless freedom fighter and a tireless warrior of good governance."
Raila’s legacy as a democracy activist over the years helped seal two of Kenya's most important reforms: multiparty democracy in 1991 and a new constitution in 2010.
Mwala MP Vincent Kawaya, flagged by pro-government MPs, Permanent Secretaries, and other government-appointed officials from Ukambani address a press conference/HANDOUTIn the statement, leaders from Ukambani said they will also use Mashujaa Day to celebrate the President as one of the heroes for what they termed as exceptional development delivery to the region, which had long been marginalised.
The roads currently under construction include Kwa Siku–Mingwani Mbondoni, Zombe–Mwitika, Ikutha–Mutha, and Kandwia–Kamuwongo in Kitui County; Emali–Ukia road, Mikuyu Bridge, and Kangundo–Mwala in Makueni county and Kivandini–Miseleni in Machakos County.
"We shall celebrate President Ruto as our hero for spearheading development, especially on roads in Ukambani, while also remembering the legacy of Raila Odinga," said Kawaya.
Mobilisation for the event is in full swing. At least 10,000 people have been selected across the three counties to attend the historic celebrations.
Details from each constituency indicate that Machakos and Makueni will each send 300 attendees, while the host county, Kitui, will have 500 attendees per constituency. Participants will be ferried to and from the event in a coordinated transport arrangement.
Kawaya was accompanied by MPs Rachel Nyamai (Kitui South), Fabian Kyule (Kangundo), Joshua Mwalyo (Masinga), nominated Senator Beth Syengo, Principal Secretaries Terry Mbaika and Jonathan Mueke, Kitui County Speaker Kelvin Katisya and a host of MCAs.
