Stephen Kariuki, a resident of Nakuru, on Monday, October 20, stunned many after revealing that he trekked to Kitui to attend Mashujaa Day celebrations held at the Ithookwe Stadium.
The 71-year-old disclosed that he began his journey to Kitui on October 9, and trekked for 11 days, stating that he arrived for the event on Sunday, October 19.
Kariuki noted that he had made it a tradition to walk annually to attend national holidays in different parts of the country and that his journey to Kitui was the eleventh time he had walked to attend the yearly event.
According to the elderly man, he was young when Kenya attained independence, and therefore, it was impossible for him at the time to wrestle for Kenya's freedom.
"I have walked for 11 days. I began the journey on October 9 and arrived here yesterday. I am 71 years old and I was born in 1963 when Kenya attained its independence," he revealed.
"I have come here to commemorate the brave Kenyans who fought on behalf of this country, and therefore, I love walking. In the past, I have walked to 14 Mashujaa Day events," Kariuki added.
Among the counties he has walked to include Nairobi, Kitui, Kakamega and Kisii. During the journey, Kariuki stated that he had a stopover in Matuu, Machakos County, where he spent a night.
When asked about the source of his motivation, Kariuki stated that he trekked as a symbol of patriotism and a show of love for Kenya.
Clad in a red beret and a jacket, the 71-year-old carried with him a Kenyan flag, a backpack and a three-legged chair painted in Kenyan flag colours.
After the one-day event, Kariuki revealed plans to raise funds for his return journey through family members and close friends.
During the Mashujaa Day ceremony at the Ithookwe stadium, thousands of Kenyans came out to attend the event, with approximately over 20,000 Kenyans thronging the stadium.
The event was attended by high-profile leaders, including President William Ruto and his Senegalese counterpart Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who was the guest of honour.
