The celebration of Mashujaa Day, a national holiday in honour of the heroes of the struggle for independence, is a great opportunity to reflect on the achievements and shortcomings in the past six decades. However, it is not enough to celebrate freedom fighters while failing to forge national unity and development for the benefit of all Kenyans.
Today’s occasion comes at a time when Kenyans are struggling to make ends meet. The high cost of living and rising fuel prices have made the lives of the majority of the people quite miserable. There is little to justify merrymaking.
The celebration comes against a backdrop of fuel price increases, unemployment, and concerns over the preparedness to contain an Ebola outbreak.
This is also a time when sharp divisions are emerging among the political groups in the run-up to the General Election set for August 10 next year. The rivalry for leadership should not overshadow the various significant contributions and efforts to develop the country.
We have demonstrated that ours is a robust democracy by holding elections every five years without fail. They may not have been perfect, but those aggrieved by the outcomes have sought justice by filing petitions. Of course, the key goal is to have free and fair elections. However, the government deserves kudos for rotating the hosting of national holidays. Having national celebrations in different regions enables more Kenyans to directly experience and participate in the events.
The host counties benefit from the upgrading of roads, street lighting, and civic beautification. It happened in Kitui County last year, with the refurbishing of Ithookwe Stadium, and this time, Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret Town in Uasin Gishu County.
This time, Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet counties are jointly showcasing their economic potential, sporting talent and tourist attractions. The freedom struggle heroes deserve recognition. But it is also laudable to fete other Kenyans who have done exemplary things in various fields, including sports.
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