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Kenyan press · Event

Mashujaa Day

Also known as: Mashujaa Day celebrations · Mashujaa Day fete · 63rd Mashujaa Day · 63rd Mashujaa Day celebrations

2026-06-072026-10-23

News reports

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In coverage

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  1. October 2026
  2. Capital News

    NAKURU, Kenya, Oct 22 – Nakuru’s Mishaal Shaileshkumar Sheth was among the 264 national heroes recognised and awarded honours by President William Ruto during this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County. …

    Mishaal Shaileshkumar Sheth among 264 heroes awarded honours during Mashujaa Day celebrations
  3. Citizen Digital

    … la = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-m', container: 'taboola-mid-article-thumbnails', placement: 'Mid Article Thumbnails', target_type: 'mix' }); Now, the Defenders Coalition has condemned the harassment, physical assault and arrest of Ode on Mashujaa Day …

    Right groups condemn arrest of Citizen TV journalist Francis Ode
  4. Citizen Digital

    … Mbadi says the National Treasury is in the final stages of drafting a bill to formalise the pledge made by President William Ruto on Mashujaa Day. …

    Ruto promised PAYE relief in February, Kenyans are still waiting. He is promising it again
  5. Citizen Digital

    Linda Mwananchi condemns Mwangaza's attack on Mashujaa Day By Idah Kithinji October 21, 2026 01:13 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Former Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza (centre) alongside Linda Mwananchi mem …

    Linda Mwananchi condemns Mwangaza's attack on Mashujaa Day
  6. Citizen Digital

    How Gachagua returned unnoticed, then pulled off a Wamunyoro surprise By Tonny Ndungu October 21, 2026 12:34 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter As the country marked Mashujaa Day, with national attention focus …

    How Gachagua returned unnoticed, then pulled off a Wamunyoro surprise
  7. Citizen Digital

    PWDs Rights advocate Hafid Maalim among heroes honored during Mashujaa Day By Joseph Muia October 21, 2026 09:00 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Disability rights advocate and Mandera senatorial aspirant Ha …

    PWDs Rights advocate Hafid Maalim among heroes honored during Mashujaa Day
  8. Citizen Digital

    … The Head of State said at the Mashujaa Day Celebrations in Eldoret on Tuesday that the proposal will be presented to Parliament beginning next week. …

    COTU lauds Ruto's move on PAYE reliefs for Kenyans earning under Ksh.32K
  9. Citizen Digital

    Kogo Basilisa steals Mashujaa Day show at Kipchoge Keino Stadium By Citizen Reporter October 21, 2026 07:41 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Audio By Vocalize At 79, retired teacher Basilisa Singoei, popular …

    Kogo Basilisa steals Mashujaa Day show at Kipchoge Keino Stadium
  10. The Standard

    The 63rd Mashujaa Day was celebrated with pomp and colour on Tuesday, as thousands of Kenyans filled the newly renovated Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret City. …

    Kenyans mark the 63rd Mashujaa Day with pomp and colour in Eldoret
  11. The Standard

    … Otieno spoke on Wednesday, October 21, during an interview on The Situation Room on Spice FM, a day after Mashujaa Day celebrations where Ruto announced proposed tax relief measures and 50,000 additional internship opportunities. …

    Willis Otieno: Opposition needs more than slogans to challenge Ruto

Yesterday

  1. Mishaal Shaileshkumar Sheth awarded national hero honour

    Nakuru philanthropist Mishaal Shaileshkumar Sheth was among 264 national heroes recognised by President William Ruto during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret. He was honoured for organising free medical clinics and providing daily meals for needy families in low-income areas of Nakuru.

    9 hours ago · Capital News →

  2. Rights groups condemn arrest of Citizen TV journalist Francis Ode

    Rights bodies in Kenya have condemned the arrest of Citizen TV journalist Francis Ode while covering a protest against a fuel price hike on October 20, 2026. The Defenders Coalition raised concerns about the use of force and intimidation against journalists while carrying out their work.

    13 hours ago · Citizen Digital →

Wednesday 21 October

  1. Ruto renews PAYE relief pledge after delays since January

    President William Ruto has again promised to exempt Kenyans earning up to Ksh.32,333 per month from income tax, with National Treasury CS John Mbadi saying a bill will be ready by the end of next month. The pledge dates back to January 2026 and has faced repeated delays.

    21 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Linda Mwananchi condemns attack on former Meru governor

    The Linda Mwananchi Movement has condemned an attack on former Meru County Governor Kawira Mwangaza during Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20, 2026, at Githongo Market, which involved destruction of vehicles, theft of equipment, and injury to staff members. The party called for prompt investigations and an end to the use of "sponsored goons" to attack opposition leaders and supporters.

    21 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  3. Former Deputy President Gachagua returns from US quietly

    Rigathi Gachagua returned to Kenya from the United States on October 20 without public fanfare, meeting with leaders of the Linda Mwananchi Movement at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County during Mashujaa Day celebrations.

    21 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  4. Disability rights advocate Hafid Maalim honored during Mashujaa Day

    Hafid Maalim Ibrahim, a disability rights advocate and chair of PWDs in the Northern Kenya region, was recognized by the National Heroes Council during 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations for his role in advocating for inclusion and representation of persons with disabilities, including his contribution to the enactment of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025.

    21 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  5. Ruto proposes PAYE exemption for workers earning under Ksh.32,333

    President William Ruto announced a proposal to exempt Kenyan workers earning Ksh.32,333 per month from PAYE income tax, which will be presented to Parliament next week. The Central Organization of Trade Unions praised the move as a measure to ease the tax burden on low-income earners.

    21 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  6. 79-year-old retired teacher steals Mashujaa Day show with dance

    Basilisa Singoei, a 79-year-old retired teacher from Uasin Gishu County, captivated crowds at Kipchoge Keino Stadium during Mashujaa Day celebrations in Eldoret with energetic traditional dance moves performed to the hit song Rera, showcasing Kenya's cultural heritage.

    21 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  7. 63rd Mashujaa Day celebrated in Eldoret with three-county hosting

    Kenya marked its 63rd Mashujaa Day on Tuesday with celebrations at the newly renovated Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret City, with the event hosted jointly by Uasin Gishu, Nandi, and Elgeyo Marakwet counties—the first time the national holiday was held in the North Rift region.

    21 October 2026 · The Standard →

  8. Opposition must offer economic solutions beyond removing Ruto

    Safina Deputy Party Leader Willis Otieno challenged opposition leaders to present economic policies rather than slogans to address Kenya's public debt, unemployment, poverty, and costs of education and healthcare. Otieno argued that removing President Ruto would not automatically resolve these challenges and urged opposition figures to explain how they would tackle them if elected in 2027.

    21 October 2026 · The Standard →

  9. Governor Lenku demands urgent resolution of Amboseli and Magadi issues

    Governor Joseph Ole Lenku has warned that delayed completion of the Amboseli National Park handover process and an unresolved dispute surrounding Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited must be addressed to safeguard Maasai community interests. Lenku, speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations, called on President William Ruto's administration to honour its commitments on Amboseli and resolve outstanding transfer and revenue-sharing arrangements without further delays.

    21 October 2026 · The Standard →

  10. Linda Mwananchi demands probe into attacks on Mwangaza

    Linda Mwananchi National Secretariat has condemned attacks on former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, including one during Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20 where her vehicles were damaged and staff injured, and another on October 18 during a charity event where equipment was stolen. The secretariat has called for investigations into both incidents and criticised the Council of Governors for not speaking out against what it alleges are sponsored attacks on opposition leaders.

    21 October 2026 · The Standard →

  11. Governor Natembeya boycotts Mashujaa Day; commissioner bars salutes

    Residents in Rift Valley counties boycotted the 63rd Mashujaa Day celebrations, with Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya among those absent. The Trans Nzoia County Commissioner subsequently directed government administrators not to salute leaders who show disrespect toward President William Ruto.

    21 October 2026 · The Standard →

Tuesday 20 October

  1. County Commissioner orders administrators to stop saluting Governor

    Trans Nzoia County Commissioner Allasow Hussein has directed local administrators, chiefs, and assistant chiefs to stop saluting or offering official courtesies to Governor George Natembeya, accusing him of failing to show respect to President William Ruto amid an ongoing standoff over the opening of Masinde Muliro Market in Kitale.

    20 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Ruto urges rivals to propose policies, not just criticism

    At Mashujaa Day celebrations in Eldoret, President William Ruto challenged his political opponents to offer alternative policies and development plans rather than merely criticising his government, saying democratic competition should be about ideas and programmes, not ethnic politics or personal attacks.

    20 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  3. Ruto announces tax exemptions and economic relief measures

    President William Ruto said his administration plans to table four economic measures before Parliament, including exempting Kenyans earning KSh32,333 or less monthly from income tax, exempting property and land transactions valued at KSh1 million or less from stamp duty, and abolishing 25 per cent import duty on mobile phones to increase digital access.

    20 October 2026 · Capital News →

  4. President Ruto proposes removing 25% import duty on mobile phones

    President William Ruto announced plans to remove the 25 per cent import duty on mobile phones to lower the cost of digital services access. The proposal, along with measures including PAYE exemption for workers earning KSh32,333 or less monthly and stamp duty exemption for land transactions valued at KSh1 million or less, would be submitted to Parliament the following week.

    20 October 2026 · Capital News →

  5. Ruto expands internship program with 50,000 new places from January 2027

    President William Ruto announced plans to add 50,000 places to the National Internship Programme starting January 2027, with successful applicants receiving monthly stipends. The scheme targets graduates from universities, technical and vocational institutions, and colleges, using merit-based selection and private employer incentives to bridge the gap between education and employment.

    20 October 2026 · Capital News →

  6. Ruto pledges sports infrastructure upgrades for AFCON 2027

    President William Ruto announced government plans to strengthen Kenya's sporting infrastructure, including completing Kipchoge Keino Stadium with a full canopy, modernizing Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, and developing Raila Odinga International Stadium in Talanta City as preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.

    20 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  7. Ruto defends Sh42 billion Kenya Pipeline share sale to private investors

    President William Ruto has defended the transfer of a 25 percent stake in Kenya Pipeline Company (valued at approximately Sh42 billion) from public entities to private investors, characterizing the transaction as evidence of confidence in Kenya's capital markets and a step toward mobilizing private capital for strategic infrastructure.

    20 October 2026 · Capital News →

  8. Ruto proposes tax cuts, land duty exemptions, job creation measures

    President Ruto has announced four proposed measures: exempting workers earning Ksh 32,333 or less per month from income tax, exempting land transactions valued at Ksh 1 million or less from stamp duty with progressive rates for higher-value transactions, reducing mobile phone import duty, and expanding youth employment opportunities in the digital economy.

    20 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  9. Kindiki highlights government progress in economy, health, and education

    Deputy President Kithure Kindiki told Mashujaa Day celebrations that Kenya has made significant progress in economic empowerment, healthcare, education and infrastructure under President Ruto's leadership, citing government interventions for farmers and expanded health coverage.

    20 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  10. Ethiopian PM calls for stronger Kenya trade partnership

    Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, speaking at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret during Mashujaa Day celebrations, called for deeper trade ties between Ethiopia and Kenya, citing cross-border electricity since 2022, road infrastructure from Mombasa to Hawassa, and the role of Safaricom and M-Pesa in facilitating trade.

    20 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  11. Ethiopian PM urges Kenya to invest in youth opportunities

    During Kenya's Mashujaa Day celebrations in Eldoret, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called for greater investment in young people, saying Kenya's next development phase depends on turning freedom into economic opportunities for the next generation. He emphasized that today's heroes include teachers, nurses, artists, athletes and job creators, and urged young people to help build Kenya.

    20 October 2026 · Capital News →

  12. Raila Odinga honored posthumously among 264 Kenyans at Mashujaa Day

    Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is being recognized posthumously in the statesmanship category at this year's Mashujaa Day celebrations in Uasin Gishu County, in recognition of his contribution to multiparty democracy, constitutional reform and political inclusion. His tenure as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 was marked by advocacy for political, social and economic reforms, including the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010.

    20 October 2026 · Capital News →

  13. President Ruto inspects Mashujaa Day parade in Eldoret

    Mashujaa Day celebrations took place at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, with President Ruto attending to inspect the parade.

    20 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  14. Kipchoge Keino Stadium reaches capacity before dawn for Mashujaa Day

    Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret was filled to capacity before dawn on Tuesday as thousands of Kenyans turned up for Mashujaa Day celebrations. By 5:20 am, the stadium was packed and security closed the gates, leaving thousands of other attendees stranded outside.

    20 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  15. Grandpa Records founder Refigah awarded National Heroes Medal

    Amb. Dr. Yusuf Noah, known as Refigah Heviweit, received the National Heroes Medal during Mashujaa Day celebrations in Eldoret, conferred by President William Ruto and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in recognition of his contribution to arts, culture and leadership. Noah founded Grandpa Records, credited with promoting local music when foreign sounds dominated the airwaves.

    20 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  16. Mashujaa Day heroes celebrated but their stories quickly forgotten

    Kenyans mark Mashujaa Day—originally Kenyatta Day, commemorating Jomo Kenyatta's 1952 arrest by colonial authorities at the start of the state of emergency—but the independence struggle's true heroes and Mau Mau members have been largely erased from national memory. The challenges that sparked the struggle continue to persist decades after independence.

    20 October 2026 · The Standard →

  17. Ruto's food security pledge unfulfilled as hunger and inflation persist

    A year after President Ruto's October 2025 Mashujaa Day speech promised to make Kenya food-secure, 2.7 million people face crisis-level hunger, inflation has climbed to 6.8 per cent, and key flagship promises remain unfulfilled, according to a Standard review of his address.

    20 October 2026 · The Standard →

Mashujaa Day — Kenyan press coverage · Kenya Minute