A rich display of culture, music and youthful creativity is expected to mark this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations.
The celebration held on Monday, October 20, at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County will feature artists and performers from across the Ukambani region.
The entertainment lineup featured some of the region’s most celebrated gospel and traditional artists, showcasing Ukambani’s musical heritage alongside patriotic and contemporary performances.
Among those who performed is Bosco Mulwa, famed for his hit "Matha eeh Matha”, a song that blends lively Kamba rhythms with gospel themes of gratitude and faith.
Also on the list was Ndeke ya Muthanga, known for their energetic performance showcasing his Kamba cultural identity.
Gospel musician Victor Mbuvi, best known for the uplifting anthem “Kwata Kawaya”, also performed.
His song, a staple of national and church events, energised the crowd with its message of unity and joy.
Kasolo also performed "Osa nguma Yesu".
The song " Kenya Tumeimarika" performed by Justus Myello, Winnie Mutanu, Ann Kathy, Stephen Kasolo, Priscilla Nina, Stellar Mengele, Mbuvi and Ndeke Ya Muthanga.
Also in the list were Kenya Nutueete by Bosco Mulwa, Mahukum, Marash Ma Mkorea, Kakongo Sisters and Franco Kisassy Boys Band.
The artists sang of the Ukambani prestige, including Ivia ya Nzambani, honey, woodwork, including sculpting.
They merged the Kamba language with Swahili, which is the national language.
Young and old performers take centre stage
Adding colour and innocence to the morning’s celebrations, a group of schoolchildren performed before the artists.
They sang, danced and performed poetry before President William Ruto, other dignitaries and all in attendance.
The children, dressed in white outfits, performed patriotic songs including "Kenya Nchi Yetu” and “Harambee Tuimbe Pamoja”, both celebrating national unity and collective effort.
They will perform a choreographed dance to “Kungulu Kwangala” by Kasheshe, waving white handkerchiefs as a symbol of peace and harmony.
In a carefully arranged formation, the young performers spat out the words “Kawi, Ustawi, Ushujaa".
This reflected the 2025 Mashujaa Day theme, “Kawi, Ustawi, Ushujaa”, celebrating the nation's development and strides taken towards achieving clean energy.
The choreography also included creative formations depicting a windmill, the sun, and a solar panel, representing innovation and Kenya’s focus on renewable energy and sustainability.
The group also presented a short shairi (Swahili poem) welcoming guests to Kitui and honouring national heroes for their sacrifices and service.
The children also created a formation reading "Mashujaa" as they danced to "Kenya Yangu Mimi ni Shujaa".
They also went on to perform a Dholuo song, with the formation of "Raila Shujaa", in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
"Raila wetu, Baba, lala salama," they sang.
"Lala salama. Urithi wako daima utadumu. Twajivunjia Shujaa Raila Amollo Odinga."
A group of women also performed traditional songs and danced, complete with cultural attire consisting of white shukas, yellow blouses and yellow headscarves. Others had yellow shukas on.
The women, energetic, danced around the field, their voices cutting across melodically, coupled with a few wails.
Older men showcase their drumming skills.
As Kenyans celebrate their heroes, a video of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga singing “Jamaica Farewell” by Harry Belafonte has been circulating widely online.
The same video, aired during an interview with NTV, was played at Ithookwe Stadium.
"I took a trip on a sailing ship. When I reached Jamaica, I made a stop. But I'm, sad to say, I'm on my way, won't be back for many a day," he sang.
As Raila's voice echoed across the stadium, the band stood still, an honour to the fallen hero and the father of devolution.
The blend of traditional, gospel and children’s performances captured the true spirit of Mashujaa Day, a celebration of Kenya’s cultural pride, unity and the enduring heroism of its people.
