Mashujaa Day celebrations across the country were marked by political clashes, low public turnout, calls for tolerance ahead of the 2027 elections and demands for reforms in the awarding of national honours.
This is even as leaders used the occasion to defend their development records and raise concerns over insecurity, unemployment and failing public services.
In Meru, tension remained high at Githongo Market during Mashujaa Day celebrations as supporters of Governor Isaac Mutuma clashed with those of former county boss Kawira Mwangaza.
Youths armed with stones and wooden sticks attacked each other, prompting police to intensify security around and inside Githongo Stadium, where the governor and County Commissioner George Omollo were leading the celebrations.
The stadium gates were barricaded with stones and police vehicles to prevent the chaos from spilling into the event.
Ms Mwangaza accused a member of the county assembly of leading the attack. In a video posted on her Facebook account, she said the rear windscreen of her personal vehicle had been smashed, while another vehicle in her convoy was vandalised after being abandoned on the road.
“I was attacked by goons led by an MCA. They have blocked me from attending Mashujaa Day celebrations in Githongo,” Ms Mwangaza said.
In Murang’a, celebrations held in the seven sub-counties attracted few residents, with most of those in attendance being government officers, village security committee members, entertainers and a handful of locals.
At Ihura Stadium, hawkers who had turned up hoping to sell their wares to the gathering left disappointed.Ms Hannah Muthoni, 23, said she had hoped to make a killing but left after selling goods worth only Sh10.
Mr Muguro Kimani, 72, said the speeches were uninspiring.
“They only told us about peace, Ebola and development. There was nothing to give us hope on the three serious issues bedevilling us: unemployment and the collapsed health and education sectors,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mt Kenya elders called for legislation to govern the conferment of full national honours, arguing that the current system for identifying and honouring distinguished citizens was arbitrary.
Kikuyu Council of Elders chairman Wachira Kiago said the process lacked clear criteria.
In Isiolo, Governor Abdi Guyo led celebrations in Isiolo town, raising concern over rampant banditry in the county.
“We must reject cattle rustling, banditry, revenge attacks and all forms of violence that undermine our shared prosperity. The loss of even one life is a painful reminder of the work that remains to be done in safeguarding our communities,” he sa said.
In Marsabit, Governor Mohamud Ali and County Commissioner Stanley Kamande led celebrations in Moyale town.
In Garissa, local leaders called for political tolerance as the August 2027 General Election approaches.
Garissa Governor Nathif Jama joined traditional dancers during Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20, 2026.
Governor Nathif Jamaa, who is eyeing the county Senate seat, warned that divisive politics could plunge the county into chaos and inter-clan feuds.
At the Coast, Mashujaa Day celebrations took a political turn as leaders allied to the broad-based government rallied behind President William Ruto’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 General Election, citing development projects and improved public services under his administration.
In Mombasa, Governor Abdulswamad Nassir defended his administration’s performance as he sought a second term, citing free early childhood development education (ECDE), school lunches, healthcare for children under five and bursaries for secondary school students in day schools.
“I have no tendency to reply to my critics or abuse them, but I will prove them wrong through my development track record,” he said.
In Kilifi, Governor Gideon Mung’aro also rallied behind the President, with ruling party supporters pledging to back the governor’s re-election to allow him to serve a second term.
Mr Mung’aro said his administration had expanded healthcare services by constructing and equipping facilities and employing more medical staff at the grassroots level.
In Tana River, Governor Dhadho Godhana highlighted his administration’s development record saying it had invested more than Sh2.77 billion in water infrastructure as the county targets universal water coverage by 2030.
In Baringo, Governor Benjamin Cheboi commended the national government for restoring calm in banditry-prone areas, paving the way for schools to reopen and displaced families to return home.
“We commend the State for beefing up security in the banditry-prone areas of Baringo County, which has led to normalcy in the region and the reopening of schools that had been closed. Displaced locals are also returning to their homes. We also celebrate security officers who helped us restore sanity in the affected villages,” Governor Cheboi said.
Ilchamus cultural dancers participating during the Mashujaa Day celebrations at Bartolimo Primary School in Baringo North on October 20, 2026.
In Nakuru, County Commissioner Lyford Kibaara warned young people against joining criminal gangs and causing chaos in the city, particularly in informal settlements.
Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Mazembe Grounds in Kaptwembwo, where he presided over the event alongside Deputy Governor David Kones, Dr Kibaara said enhanced security patrols had been introduced to curb crime.
Security personnel from different disciplined forces march during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Mazembe Grounds in Kaptembwo, Nakuru West, on October 20, 2026.
In Bomet County, all elected leaders skipped Mashujaa Day celebrations at Siongiroi open grounds in Chepalungu Constituency. The event was presided over by County Commissioner Caroline Ndzwili.
Desmond Langat, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Bomet branch executive secretary, said it was unfortunate that Governor Hillary Barchok and all members of the county assembly had failed to attend.
“It is quite disappointing that, a year before the next general election, none of the elected leaders is here to celebrate Mashujaa Day with the voters. This sets a bad precedent,” Mr Langat said.
Police marching at Kithimu Primary School in Embu county during Mashujaa Day celebrations, on October20,2026.Photo/
Only a handful of residents turned up at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) grounds in Kisumu on Monday to mark Mashujaa Day, presided over by Kisumu County Commissioner Ramadhan Mwabudzo.
Mr Mwabudzo urged parents to keep a close eye on their children during the school holidays and guide them against engaging in criminal activities.
“Most students have closed school for the December holidays. Parents should keep track of what their children are doing. We do not want to see children getting involved in crime,” he said.
In Kisumu’s central business district, some residents said they had skipped the celebrations because they were still mourning Mr Odinga, whose death has left a profound sense of loss across the region.
In Kisii, Governor Simba Arati and County Commissioner James Kamau led residents in marking Mashujaa Day at Igonga grounds in Bonchari Constituency.
Governor Arati used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to fulfilling its promises, particularly in education and infrastructure development.
In Homa Bay, Mashujaa Day celebrations were held at Kamasengre Primary School on Rusinga Island, the home of slain trade unionist and former Cabinet minister Tom Mboya.
Leaders and elders used the occasion to call on the government to honour Mboya posthumously, citing his enduring contribution to Kenya’s development.
The Suba Council of Elders urged President William Ruto to recognise Mboya’s legacy, including his role in the 1959–1963 Airlift Programme, which enabled hundreds of Kenyan students to pursue studies in the United States.
Trans Nzoia deputy Governor Philomena Kapkory and County Commissioner Hussein Allaso defended President William Ruto after his development tour of Trans Nzoia, asking leaders in the County to respect the Presidency.
Kapkory, together with the County Commissioner Hussein Allaso, led residents of Trans Nzoia in Mashujaa Day celebrations at Naminit Primary School, Chepchoina Ward, Endebes Constituency, in an event skipped by Governor George Natembeya.
Natembeya, who skipped the event, was with the Linda Mwananchi team at the DCP party leader, Rigathi Gachagua’s home in Nyeri County.
Reporting by Mwangi Muiruri, David Muchui, Winnie Atieno, Florah Koech, Boniface Mwangi, Vitalis Kimutai, Manase Otsialo, Dominic Ombok, George Odiwuor, Wycliffe Nyaberi and Evans Jaola.
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