Kalonzo missing in action as Mashujaa Day is celebrated in his tuff
Politics
By
Irene Githinji
| Oct 21, 2025
President William Ruto during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Ithookwe Stadium in Kituii, on October 20, 2025. [PCS]
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Monday skipped the Mashujaa Day celebrations held in his Kitui backyard, choosing instead to honour the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in a tribute.
The national celebrations, held at Ithookwe Stadium and presided over by President William Ruto, came just a day after Raila’s State burial in Bondo, Siaya County, which Kalonzo attended.
Kalonzo sent his Mashujaa Day message via social media, dedicating the day to his “brother and dear friend” Raila.
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“Years of detention did not stop you. The torture chambers did not faze. The agony of bungled and stolen elections did not crush you,” Kalonzo wrote.
“From your perch at the mountaintop, I wish you and all Kenyans of goodwill a happy Mashujaa Day,” he added.
Other key opposition leaders, including Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa, and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, were also absent from the event.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei criticised Kalonzo’s absence, calling it unpatriotic.
“By skipping the Mashujaa Day national celebrations—despite them being held in his own backyard—Kalonzo has shown disregard for the country,” said Cherargei.
President Ruto, in his speech, paid tribute to Raila.
“The first lesson Baba taught us is to put country above self. Time and again, he reminded us that no disagreement is greater than our unity, no ambition more important than our peace, and no personal interest higher than the welfare of our nation,” said Ruto.
Cheap politics
He also outlined his vision for national transformation, emphasising the need for bold and focused leadership.
“If Kenya is to attain first-world status in our lifetime, we must set daring and audacious goals and pursue them with unwavering focus,” he said.
Turning to the Ukambani region, the President promised a new approach to development, moving away from what he termed divisive politics.
“Politics of division, hatred, and ethnicity have kept some regions behind due to cheap politics. Ukambani will not be left behind ever again. There are those attempting to perpetuate politics of poverty, but we will wipe out poverty in this region,” Ruto declared.
Kalonzo has remained critical of Ruto’s administration and has repeatedly resisted overtures to join the “broad-based” government.
On 12 October, he accused the government of intimidation, claiming opposition leaders were being targeted for standing with the people.
“No amount of intimidation, stones thrown at our vehicles, or threats from your underlings will stop us. Kenya’s resolve is clear, and our united faith in the rule of law remains unbowed and unshakably firm,” Kalonzo said.
Reports indicate that President Ruto has made attempts to reach out to Kalonzo, but the Wiper leader has dismissed the idea of joining government.
He said any alignment with Ruto’s administration would be a betrayal of Kenyans, and insisted that he would rather stand with the people.
“The issues we face in this country are serious. This is not about calling Kalonzo to join Ruto’s government. To to suggest we could sit down and strike a political deal is out of the question,” he said.
Earlier this month, while accepting Wiper’s nomination as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election at the party’s National Delegates Conference (NDC), Kalonzo reaffirmed his ambition to lead Kenya.
He promised that a Kalonzo-led administration would address the key issues facing the country.
“These are not empty promises; they are concrete plans. Practical, people-centred, and achievable. The time for lamentation is over. The time for excuses is gone. The moment for change is now,” he declared.