Mwala Member of Parliament Hon. Vincent Musyoka Kawaya who also serves as UDA National Organizing Secretary, has affirmed that the upcoming Mashujaa Day 2025 celebrations will proceed as scheduled. The national event is set to take place on Monday, October 20th, at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County.

This statement comes in response to widespread speculation on social media suggesting the event might be cancelled following the sudden passing of former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga on Wednesday, October 15th.

Speaking at a press briefing held at a hotel in Machakos, and flanked by elected leaders and government officials from the Ukambani region, Hon. Kawaya dismissed the rumours and confirmed that all preparations are complete. “We are here to assure the public that Mashujaa Day is still on. This national day is enshrined in our Constitution and cannot be postponed. Moreover, On Monday we will extend the mourning as we honour one of our Kenya’s greatest hero, Raila Odinga,” said Hon. Kawaya.

The MP also took the opportunity to praise President William Ruto for his swift development agenda in the Ukambani region. He highlighted several key infrastructure projects set to be initiated in collaboration with local leaders aligned with the Kenya Kwanza administration from the region. Among the notable projects mentioned are: Emali–Ukia Road in Kibwezi West, Makueni County, Kangundo–Mwala Road and Miseleni–Mwala Road in Machakos County, Chuluni–Zombe Road in Kitui East Constituency, Kwa Siku–Mbondoni Road in Mwingi West, Mutomo–Mutha–Ikutha Road and Kamuwuongo–Kandwia Road in Mwingi North which are set to be officially launched by the president in his Ukambani Development tour later.

READ ALSO: President William Ruto’s 4-Day Ukambani Region Development Tour Schedule Unveiled 

Hon. Vincent Kawaya also lauded the President as the first president in Kenya’s history to spearhead the most development projects in the Ukambani region in the shortest period, highlighting key initiatives such as the construction of Ithookwe Stadium, this year’s Mashujaa Day venue, the upgrade of the Ithookwe airstrip runway, and the establishment of the Kitui State Lodge. “We’ve also gathered here to finalize our plans for welcoming the President during Mashujaa Day. He is, in many ways, a hero to our region for championing development in such a short period,” added Kawaya.

YOU MISSED: Kitui Officer Turns to Music to Welcome President Ruto Ahead of Mashujaa Day Celebrations

The MP urged residents from Ukambani and across the country to attend the celebrations in large numbers. “This event is not just for Ukambani residents, it’s for all Kenyans. As well all know Ukambani has a long history of producing heroes, and we want to celebrate them alongside those from other regions. Let’s come together to honour our nation’s champions,” he emphasized.

Hon. Kawaya was accompanied by several leaders, including Principal Secretaries Terry Mbaika and Jonathan Mueke, Kitui South MP Rachael Kaki, Masinga MP Joshua Mwalyo, Kangundo MP Hon. Fabian Kyule, Commissioner Benedict Muasya, State House Coordinator Hon. Boniface Musambi, Hon. Annastacia Muendo, and Senator Beth Syengo, among others.

Ends///