KITUI, Kenya – Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on Sunday paid tribute to Kenya’s liberation heroes as he joined President William Ruto and thousands of Kenyans at the Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kitui County.
Speaking as the chief guest at the national event held at Ithookwe Stadium, President Faye praised Kenya’s freedom struggle and called for deeper African solidarity to confront the lingering effects of colonialism.
“Heroes and heroines deserve admiration and respect. The struggle for freedom in Kenya came at a heavy cost,” Faye said, linking Kenya’s fight for independence to the wider African pursuit of post-colonial agency and self-determination.
The Senegalese leader decried the continent’s colonial legacy, urging African nations to “reclaim their destiny” by strengthening cooperation and asserting greater control over their economic and political affairs.
“The time has come for Africa to free itself from the remnants of external domination — whether economic, cultural or institutional,” he said.
Faye’s visit underscores growing Pan-African engagement and carries strategic significance for Nairobi, which is preparing to host the France–Africa Summit in May 2026 — a key diplomatic event expected to highlight Kenya’s expanding role as a regional and global player.
The Senegalese president also conveyed his condolences to Kenyans following the recent death of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, describing him as a “father of democracy” whose contribution to Africa’s democratic journey will be remembered.
“Senegal stands with the brotherly people of Kenya during this time of mourning,” he said.
Faye’s presence at the celebrations comes amid renewed efforts by African nations to redefine their partnerships, both within the continent and beyond, under a vision of shared sovereignty and economic independence.
