Frontier Eye Desk
President William Ruto on Monday led Kenyans in celebrating this year’s Mashujaa Day at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County, a colourful national event marked by tributes to Kenya’s past and present heroes.
In one of the day’s most emotional moments, the late Raila Amolo Odinga was posthumously awarded the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.), Kenya’s highest national honour. The gazette notice dated October 20, 2025, confirmed the conferment of the First Class C.G.H. in recognition of Raila’s exemplary courage, endurance, dedication, unwavering commitment to democracy and good governance, sacrifice, Pan-Africanism, and faithful service to humanity.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye (left), President William Ruto (center), and Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri (right) watch a thrilling aerial display by the Kenya Air Force jet fighters during the Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kitui.
“But if we, the people he so deeply loved and served, choose to live by the lessons he taught us — to love Kenya more than we love ourselves, to put unity above division, to aspire for greater, and to serve with courage and conviction — then we can become a great nation of 50 million heroes,” President Ruto said during his address.
Raila’s recognition came a day after his burial in Bondo, Siaya County, where Kenyans and world leaders gathered to honour the man many described as the father of Kenya’s modern democracy.
President William Ruto arrives at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui for the Mashujaa Day celebrations
Among the 184 honourees were Kenyans drawn from diverse fields — journalism, music, literature, sports, governance, and environmental conservation. Citizen TV journalist Mwanahamisi Hamadi was feted for her outstanding work in journalism and women’s empowerment, while Genge music pioneer Jua Cali (Paul Julius Nunda) and producer Clemo (Clement Rapudo) were celebrated for shaping Kenya’s urban music culture and inspiring a generation of young artists.
Prof. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, honoured posthumously, was recognized for his literary contributions, advocacy for African languages, and global influence on decolonization. Wanjira Mathai was celebrated for advancing climate justice and leading the Green Belt Movement, while David Oginde, the EACC Chairperson, received recognition for promoting ethical governance and civic integrity. Sheikh Ibrahim Lethome and Bishop George Mechumo were jointly honoured for their work in interfaith peacebuilding.
A section of Kenyans who turned up to celebrate Mashujaa Day at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui.
Others included Patrick Omondi for groundbreaking work in wildlife conservation and Muchiri M’Mwitha (posthumous) for aiding Mau Mau freedom fighters with supplies and routes during the liberation struggle. Harambee Stars players Ryan Ogam, Byrne Omondi, Alpha Onyango, and Abud Omar were among 31 sports figures honoured for their contribution to national unity through sports.
The Chief Guest at this year’s celebrations was Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who urged African nations to cultivate a culture of remembering and honouring their heroes.
“Africa must restore its history by celebrating those who shaped it. We owe it to future generations to teach them where we come from and who made our journey possible,” President Faye said.
Also in attendance was Mozambique’s Prime Minister Maria Benvinda Levy, who lauded Kenya’s commitment to Pan-African solidarity and inclusive leadership.
This year’s Mashujaa Day theme, “Celebrating Our Heroes, Defining Our Future,” reflected Kenya’s commitment to honouring those who have shaped the nation’s destiny — both in life and in legacy