The government has dismissed claims that the Mashujaa Day celebrations slated for Monday, October 20, have been cancelled to mourn the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
In a statement released on Saturday evening, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura clarified that the event will proceed at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County as initially planned.
Mwaura, however, noted that the country would continue to mourn Raila, describing him as a great hero and statesman whose indomitable spirit shaped Kenya's journey.
He emphasised that even as the country mourns Odinga's loss, Mashujaa Day will proceed, as it is a cornerstone of Kenya's national identity that will be marked in full honour of the country's heroes.
"He will be laid to rest tomorrow at his home in Bondo, and may his soul rest in eternal peace. In the shadow of this loss, the government affirms with unwavering resolve that Mashujaa Day will proceed as planned," Mwaura stated.
The Government Spokesperson stated that the event was a sacred celebration, a constitutionally enshrined public holiday under the Public Holidays Act, and aligned with Article 9(3) of the Constitution of Kenya (2010).
"This national holiday remains a cornerstone of our collective identity, where we gather to salute the sacrifices of those who built our nation," he added.
He went ahead to urge Kenyans to turn out in large numbers on Monday to celebrate the enduring legacy of Raila Odinga and all Kenyan heroes, both present and past.
"Bring your voices and your stories in unity of resilience to weave a living tribute to a man who taught us to stand tall. On this day, let us not only mourn but rise in the spirit of Harambee," the Government Spokesperson said.
Nonetheless, Mwaura noted that peripheral events such as Energy Week and Media Breakfast had been postponed for the mourning of Odinga as directed by President William Ruto.
The clarification comes even as Kenyans continue to mourn the death of the former Prime Minister, who passed away on Wednesday, October 15, after suffering from cardiac arrest.
The former Prime Minister's burial is expected to take place on Sunday, October 19, in a private ceremony that will be attended by close family members.
