Leaders of the united opposition gave the Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kitui a wide berth, with none, including those from the host county, showing up for the event.
The most conspicuous absence was that of former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu who hail from Kitui County.
Mrs Ngilu’s home shares a fence with Ithookwe Stadium, the venue of the national event that celebrates Kenya’s heroes and heroines.
Joining the two in snubbing Mashujaa fete were leaders of all opposition parties— including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua (Democracy for Citizens Party), Eugene Wamalwa (Democratic Action Party of Kenya), Martha Karua (Peoples Liberation Party), Justin Muturi (Democratic Party) and Fred Matiangi of Jubilee Party.
Two weeks ago, Mr Musyoka announced he would not attend celebrations of the heroes’ day, citing his displeasure with the way President Ruto was running the country's affairs.
"We have fundamental differences in the manner the country is being run. Attending the event would be misinterpreted as an endorsement of Mr Ruto's bad leadership" he said.
And recently, while addressing rallies in Machakos and Kitui, accompanied by his opposition colleagues, Mr Musyoka said Mashujaa celebrations in Kitui would only serve to give Ukambani region a glimpse into the presidency.
"The rotational national event in Kitui is only symbolic that come 2027, President Ruto will hand over the country's power to a leader from the Eastern region" Mr Musyoka said.
However, the Wiper leader said he had no problem Kitui Governor Julius Malombe playing host to the president, a role the county boss played.
Dr Malombe thanked President Ruto for heeding to his 2024 request to consider holding one of the national events here in Kitui.
Away from Kitui, the opposition leaders took to social media where they communicated their Mashujaa messages, most of which honoured the late Odinga and other heroes.
“This Mashujaa Day, we remember Raila Odinga, a man who embodied courage and never lost faith in Kenya. His journey with Mama Ida reminds us that sacrifice is both public and deeply personal,” Ms Karua posted on X.
“As his comrade, I pledge to uphold the struggle for a better Kenya, where the Constitution is held true, the human rights upheld in it are respected and its democratic promise is realized. True tribute lies in our actions, not just our words.”
Echoing her message, Mr Wamalwa called on Kenyans to keep Mr Odinga’s dream for a democratic, just and progressive Kenya alive by standing up against misrule.
“We must all become Shujaas to fight for freedom at its hour of utmost peril, especially now after the signing into law of the Computer Misuse and Cyber Crimes (Amendment Bill) 2024, within hours of his (Odinga’s) death,” he said.
“… the law criminalises dissent and curtails freedom of expression and reduces the digital democratic space that Our Shujaa Raila fought for throughout his life. This is not a law about protecting the public from cybercrime. It is a law about protecting power from criticism.”
The law imposes fines of up to Sh20 million or 10 years in prison for offensive posts, including a tweet, a meme a Facebook post or a Tiktok video.
“Throughout your life, you dedicated yourself mind, body and soul to the pursuit of a fair and just Kenya, where all, irrespective of their titles and ethnicity, would be accorded dignity and treated equally… Your sacrifices, Baba, will not be forgotten,” he tweeted.
Dr Matiang’s was brief in his message, saying “may the courage and sacrifices of our heroes continue to inspire us to build a better country,” just like Mr Gachagua who posted:
“This Mashujaa Day, we honour not just the heroes of our past, but all who stand today for truth, justice, and good governance, even when it's not popular. True heroism is standing firm when others bow.”
In his Mashujaa reflections, Mr Muturi saluted the late Odinga and Generation Z for standing up against bad governance and government excesses.
“We celebrate every generation that stood tall when silence was safer. We honour those who paved the way for justice, and we salute our young people who have chosen action over apathy boldly holding leaders to account and demanding a better Kenya for all,” he posted on X.
“And even as we celebrate, our hearts remain heavy with the passing of Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga, a true giant of democracy. His unwavering fight for multipartism, freedom, and fairness will forever echo in the spirit of this day. Raila’s courage inspired generations and his dream of a just, united, and prosperous Kenya lives on through the youth who continue to speak truth to power.”
