KITUI, Kenya – Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka skipped this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations held in his home turf of Kitui County, sparking criticism and speculation over his absence from a major national event attended by President William Ruto.
The celebrations, held at Ithookwe Stadium and presided over by President Ruto, drew thousands of residents from across Ukambani and beyond. Kalonzo’s no-show — in a region considered his political stronghold — did not go unnoticed.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei led the criticism, terming the Wiper leader’s absence “unpatriotic.”
“Kalonzo skipping the Mashujaa Day national celebrations was unpatriotic to the country, yet all Ukambani are attending in mammoth crowds,” Cherargei said. “Thank you Kitui residents and the Ukambani nation for the warm and heroic reception to President Ruto and guests.”
Cherargei’s remarks reflect the growing political tension between the government and the opposition following the recent death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, with whom Kalonzo shared a decades-long political partnership.
While he was not physically present at the event, Kalonzo released a statement dedicating this year’s Mashujaa Day to the memory of the late Raila, whom he described as “the embodiment of Kenya’s enduring spirit of resilience and sacrifice.”
“Today I join many Kenyans in dedicating this Mashujaa Day to my brother and dear friend who has taken his final bow, our second Prime Minister Raila Odinga,” Kalonzo said. “Your sacrifices, Baba, will not be forgotten. You are and will always remain my hero, Kenya’s Shujaa.”
In his message, Kalonzo hailed Raila’s courage and perseverance, recalling his years in detention, political struggles, and steadfast advocacy for democracy and justice.
“Years of detention did not stop you. The torture chambers did not faze you. The agony of bungled and stolen elections did not crush you,” he said.
The former vice president said Raila’s life reflected the true meaning of heroism — “a commitment to fairness, equality, and justice regardless of the cost.”
Kalonzo and Raila were long-time allies in Kenya’s pro-democracy movement, fighting side by side for multiparty democracy in the 1990s, the 2010 Constitution, and electoral reforms.
Raila, who died earlier this month aged 80, remains a towering figure in Kenya’s political history — and his passing has cast a shadow over this year’s Mashujaa Day, traditionally a celebration of national heroes.
At Ithookwe, the festivities went on with colour and pageantry as President Ruto led the nation in honouring Kenya’s freedom fighters.
Yet the absence of Kitui’s most prominent son from the ceremony became one of the day’s most talked-about moments, stirring debate about political symbolism and the opposition leader’s next moves.
