Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection Alfred Mutua has reaffirmed Kenya’s readiness to mark this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kitui County, even as the country mourns the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.

On Sunday, October 19, 2025, just hours after Raila’s burial in Bondo, Siaya County, Mutua visited Ithookwe Stadium to assess final preparations for the national event scheduled for Monday, October 20.

Also watch: Inside Ruto’s Mashujaa Day plan to woo Kalonzo’s Ukambani turf ahead of 2027 polls.

Final preparations underway

“I visited Ithokwe Stadium in Kitui County today, the venue for this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations, to review final preparations ahead of tomorrow’s national event,” Mutua stated in a post on X.

“I’m glad to report that everything is set. Security, logistics, and technical arrangements have been finalised, and both national and county teams have done an excellent job. Kitui is ready to host the nation for a colourful, peaceful, and well-coordinated celebration in honour of our heroes.”

The stadium, recently completed with modern facilities including an airstrip and state lounge, stands as a key symbol of regional development. Mutua wove Raila’s legacy into the upcoming celebrations, writing, “As we prepare to mark Mashujaa Day, together with other Kenyans, the nation bid farewell to one of its greatest sons; Rt. Hon. @RailaOdinga whose burial took place today in Bondo, Siaya county. His courage, sacrifice, and lifelong fight for democracy, justice, and equality transformed our great nation. His legacy will forever live on in the freedoms we enjoy and the unity he championed.”

Honouring heroes amid mourning

Raila’s burial, held at his family home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, brought to a close a period of national mourning.

The private ceremony, attended by President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, family members, friends, and military officers, included a 17-gun salute and hymns led by church leaders.

Raila was laid to rest beside his mother, Mary Ajuma Odinga, in the family compound that also holds the graves of his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and his son, Fidel Castro Odinga.

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura confirmed that the Mashujaa Day celebrations will proceed as planned. “In the shadow of this loss, the Government affirms with unwavering resolve that Mashujaa Day, our sacred celebration of Kenya’s heroes, a constitutionally enshrined public holiday under the Public Holidays Act and aligned with Article 9(3) of the Constitution of Kenya (2010), will PROCEED as planned on Monday, October 20th, 2025, at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County,” he stated.

Kitui to host national event

Peripheral events such as Energy Week and the Media Breakfast were postponed to allow space for reflection, but the core celebrations will continue.

Mwaura added, “This national holiday remains a cornerstone of our collective identity, where we gather to salute the sacrifices of those who built our nation.”

Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka Kawaya reiterated that the event would not be postponed. “Mashujaa Day is ON. We want to assure everyone that the Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kitui this Monday will go on as planned. It is a constitutional day that cannot be postponed,” he said.

The Ithookwe Stadium, completed ahead of the fete, features upgraded seating, lighting, and accessibility. The celebrations are expected to draw thousands, with cultural performances and tributes placing Raila prominently among Kenya’s heroes.