As Kenya prepares to mark Mashujaa Day, the national ceremony is set to take place at the Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County.
In the Akamba language, the word “Ithookwe” loosely translates to “the blessed place,” “a place of rest,” or “a peaceful place.”
The word comes from the root “thooko” or “kuthooka,” which means to rest, to be calm, or to be at peace.
The newly upgraded Ithookwe Stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 10,000 people.
As the day breaks, thousands of Kenyans have already found their way to the stadium, awaiting state officials and other dignitaries to start the ceremony.
The government earlier on affirmed that the celebrations will proceed as planned, despite the country currently observing a period of mourning.
The ceremony, observed on October 20, comes a day after former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was laid to rest in Bondo.
In a statement, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura urged Kenyans to turn out in large numbers, emphasising that Mashujaa Day remains “a cornerstone of our collective identity, where we gather to honour the sacrifices of those who built our nation.”
Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County/HANDOUTOn Sunday, Interior Principal Secretary, Raymond Omollo, also confirmed that preparations for this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations are complete, with Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County fully ready to host the national event.
“Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County now stands fully complete and ready to host this year's Mashujaa Day celebrations on Monday, 20th October,” he stated.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Mashujaa Day has been observed annually since the 2010 Constitution, and earlier under its previous form.
The day was set to honour both those who fought for the country’s independence and those in later years who have served the nation in other major capacities.
Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County/HANDOUTThis is aimed at reinforcing a sense of national inclusion and giving regional areas a chance to host significant events.
Previous venues have included major stadiums across counties; for example, in 2023 the national event was held at the former Kericho Green Stadium (renamed) in Kericho County.
The venue is leveraged not just for the celebrations, but as part of broader infrastructure upgrading in the region.
The stadium’s modern facilities are referenced in recent press briefings.
The stadium, recently completed with modern facilities including an airstrip and state lounge, stands as a key symbol of regional development.
Moreover, the fact that the celebrations continue despite national mourning underscores the day’s importance and its mandated nature under the Public Holidays Act and the Constitution.
Taking note of the seven-day mourning period, some auxiliary functions like media breakfasts and side events were modified to allow for national reflection.
A LOOK BACK: HEROES AND HEROINES HONOURED IN 2024
At the 2024 Mashujaa Day national ceremony, held in Kwale County, a total of approximately 142 people were feted across 14 categories including sports, philanthropy, statesmanship, indigenous culture, among others.
Among the more widely reported honourees were Major General Mohamud Mohamed (Garissa) – recognised posthumously for his military service and credited with playing a key role in averting the 1982 coup attempt.
Daudi Tonje (Baringo), a retired general and former Chief of Defence Forces, was honoured for his defence reforms, known as “Tonje Rules” in the military.
Ayoti Sakaja was recognised posthumously for her achievements in sports and public service.
Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County/HANDOUTThe 2024 event also carried the theme of “Affordable Housing”, tied to the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), and community reflections about regional development were strong in the host county.
In 2023, the national celebration honoured 157 heroes and heroines; among them, 20 freedom fighters and various persons recognised for statesmanship, sports, peace-making and culture.
For 2025, the National Heroes Council released a list of 180 proposed heroes and heroines to be honoured, across categories like the liberation struggle, entrepreneurship, human rights, culture and sport.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The celebrations are expected to draw thousands, with cultural performances and tributes placing Raila prominently among Kenya’s heroes.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye will be in attendance.
In addition to participating in the national celebrations, Faye is also set to undertake a State visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Kenya and Senegal.
The visit is expected to focus on enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, innovation, youth empowerment, and cultural exchange.
