A 71-year-old man from Nakuru County, Stephen Kariuki, has walked for hundreds of kilometres to attend this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui.

Kariuki began his journey from Nakuru on October 9, 2025 and arrived in Kitui on the evening of October 19, 2025, just a day before the national event. Travelling alone, he carried a backpack, a Kenyan flag, and a small three-legged chair painted in the national colours. Dressed in a red beret and jacket, the elderly man said the long trek was his personal way of honouring Kenya’s heroes.

Kariuki said he was a young boy when Kenya gained independence in 1963 and could not take part in the freedom struggle. For several years now, he has made it his tradition to walk to every Mashujaa Day venue in different counties as a show of patriotism and gratitude to those who fought for self-rule.

“I have walked for 11 days. I began the journey on October 9 and arrived here yesterday. I am 71 years old and I was born in 1963 when Kenya attained independence,” he said.

He added that he has walked to attend 14 Mashujaa Day celebrations across the country, including those held in Nairobi, Kakamega, Kisii and now Kitui. On his way to Kitui, he spent a night in Matuu, Machakos County, before resuming his journey the next morning.

Kariuki said walking long distances to mark national holidays is his own way of paying tribute to Kenya’s heroes. He views the journey as a personal mission to show love for the country and solidarity with those who sacrificed for freedom.

Seeks fare to return home

After the celebrations, he plans to raise money from his grandchildren and friends to board a matatu back to Nakuru, saying the long return journey would be too exhausting to do on foot.

“Mimi naeza watolea ujumbe mmoja, tupendane,” said the 71-year-old Kariuki, urging Kenyans to embrace unity and kindness.

Thousands of Kenyans attended the Mashujaa Day event at Ithookwe Stadium, with people filling the stands. The ceremony was presided over by President William Ruto and attended by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who was the guest of honour.

During his address, President Ruto pledged to uphold the democratic ideals of the late Raila Odinga, including the promotion of democracy, food security and industrialisation. He also posthumously awarded Raila the Chief of the Golden Heart of Kenya (C.G.H.), the country’s highest national honour, recognising his lifelong service and contribution to Kenya’s democracy.