Mashujaa Day is one of the public holidays in Kenya.

The day is celebrated every October 20 to commemorate the country’s great heroes.

However, even though it has been set aside to honour and remember the country’s heroes who fought for its freedom from colonial rule, the day is also used to celebrate modern Kenyan heroes who have made the country proud in various sectors or fields in the society.

Initially, the holiday was known as Kenyatta Day. This is because it was named after Jomo Kenyatta. He served as the first Prime Minister of Kenya from 1963 to 1964. Later, he became the first president of Kenya from 1964 until 1978, when he passed away.

During Kenya’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule, Jomo Kenyatta stood out as one of the prominent campaigners. In October 1952, he was arrested alongside five other Kenya freedom fighters.

The six were arrested on charges of being Mau Mau members. The Mau Mau rebellion was a movement that rebelled against Kenya’s British rulers. The movement was primarily dominated by the Kikuyu, Meru, and Embu people and a few units of Kamba and Maasai. The group of six accused individuals was known as the Kapenguria Six.

The six were arrested on charges of being Mau Mau members. The Mau Mau rebellion was a movement that rebelled against Kenya’s British rulers. The movement was primarily dominated by the Kikuyu, Meru, and Embu people and a few units of Kamba and Maasai.

The incarceration of the six is regarded as a prominent event hence its commemoration with a public holiday on 20th October every year.

“We started about two months ago when there was no infrastructure in place. I want to congratulate and appreciate everybody who has worked hard to ensure that the infrastructure that we see today is in place,” PS Raymond Omollo said.

Several changes

The public holiday was first observed in 1958, mainly by activists but gained more success the following year. After independence in 1963, the public holiday was embedded in the Kenyan constitution as Kenyatta Day.

However, in August 2010, after the adoption of the new constitution, several changes were made to the public holidays. As a result, Kenyatta Day was renamed.The day has since then widened its scope to include many modern heroes.

The Jubilee regime began having the celebrations rotate in counties. This year it is being held in Kericho County. The theme for this year’s celebrations is “Universal Health Coverage.” UHC ia a crucial pillar aligned with government’s agenda and commitment to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of ensuring that all people receive the health services they need without suffering.

According to the Kenya Kwanza administration, UHC aims to cover the full continuum of essential services, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care, across the life course of an individual.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta declared that two out of Kenya’s three National Days will be hosted on rotational basis by counties outside Nairobi.

Last year, the celebration was held at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi. The celebrations marked the first heroes’ day under President William Ruto’s administration.

Despite being devolved, the celebrations are also celebrated across the country. By yesterday, preparations for celebrations for this year’s Mashujaa Day at the sub- county level were complete.
Nationally, President William Ruto is set to lead Kenyans in marking Mashujaa Day at the Kericho Greens Stadium, Kericho County.

Kenyans abroad have also been holding celebrations to mark the holiday in various countries they are located. For instance, Kenyans in Helsinki in Sweden will celebrate Mashujaa Day on 21 at Talon Osoite, Rusthollarinkuja 3 with a splendid display of Kenyan culture, food and music.

The announcement for Finland’s celebration was made by the Embassy of Kenya in Sweden. Helsinki in Sweden will celebrate Mashujaa Day on 21 at Talon Osoite, Rusthollarinkuja 3 with a splendid display of Kenyan culture, food and music.