Leaders of the united opposition gave the Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kitui a wide berth, with none, including those from the host county, showing up for the event.
The most conspicuous absence was that of former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu who hail from Kitui County.
Ngilu’s home shares a fence with Ithookwe Stadium, the venue of the national event that celebrates Kenya’s heroes and heroines.
Joining the two in snubbing Mashujaa fete were leaders of all opposition parties— including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua (Democracy for Citizens Party), Eugene Wamalwa (Democratic Action Party of Kenya), Martha Karua (Peoples Liberation Party), Justin Muturi (Democratic Party) and Fred Matiangi of Jubilee Party.
Also absent were several Ukambani leaders, among them governors Wavinya Ndeti and Mutula Kilonzo Junior, as well as MPs from Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper Democratic Movement.
Two weeks ago, Mr Musyoka announced he would not attend celebrations of the heroes’ day, citing his displeasure with the way President Ruto was running the country’s affairs.
“We have fundamental differences in the manner the country is being run. Attending the event would be misinterpreted as an endorsement of Mr Ruto’s bad leadership” he said.
And recently, while addressing rallies in Machakos and Kitui, accompanied by his opposition colleagues, Mr Musyoka said Mashujaa celebrations in Kitui would only serve to give Ukambani region a glimpse into the presidency.
“The rotational national event in Kitui is only symbolic that come 2027, President Ruto will hand over the country’s power to a leader from the Eastern region” Mr Musyoka said.
However, the Wiper leader said he had no problem Kitui Governor Julius Malombe playing host to the president, a role the county boss played.
Dr Malombe thanked President Ruto for heeding to his 2024 request to consider holding one of the national events here in Kitui.
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