Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka did not attend the national Mashujaa Day celebrations held at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County on Monday, October 20, 2025, a decision that has drawn criticism and sparked debate among political observers. The event, presided over by President William Ruto, saw thousands of residents and dignitaries gather in the region, which is considered Musyoka's political stronghold.

Musyoka, who had earlier declined an invitation from Kitui County Commissioner Kipchumba Ruto, stated in July 2025 that he would not share a platform with President Ruto, citing fundamental differences in governance. He accused the current administration of intolerance towards dissent and a lack of accommodation for criticism, which he described as essential for a functioning democracy.

Political Context and Opposition Stance

Instead of attending the national celebrations, Musyoka issued a statement dedicating this year's Mashujaa Day to the memory of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, while receiving treatment in India. Musyoka described Odinga as "the embodiment of Kenya's enduring spirit of resilience and sacrifice" and vowed to carry forward Odinga's ideals, including the fight for democracy, justice, and national unity.

His absence, alongside other prominent opposition figures such as Martha Karua, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Eugene Wamalwa, Justin Muturi, and Fred Matiang'i, highlighted a united opposition front that opted to snub the national event. Many opposition leaders took to social media to convey their Mashujaa Day messages, largely honouring Odinga and other heroes, and calling for the upholding of democratic principles and accountability.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei publicly condemned Musyoka's decision, labelling it unpatriotic and questioning his commitment to national heroes. Cherargei further claimed that Musyoka had travelled to the United Kingdom but returned for Odinga's funeral, only to skip the national celebrations in his own region.

Mashujaa Day: A National Celebration

Mashujaa Day, also known as Heroes' Day, is a significant national holiday observed annually on October 20th in Kenya. It honours all Kenyans who contributed to the struggle for independence and those who have positively impacted the nation's development. The day was formerly known as Kenyatta Day, commemorating the detention of the Kapenguria Six, including Jomo Kenyatta, by British colonial authorities on October 20, 1952. The 2010 Kenyan Constitution renamed it Mashujaa Day, broadening its scope to recognise a wider array of national heroes.

The 2025 national celebrations were held at the newly constructed Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County, a venue with a seating capacity of approximately 10,000 people. The choice of Kitui reflects the government's strategy to rotate major national ceremonies across different counties to promote national inclusion.

Kalonzo's Recent Political Activities

Musyoka, leader of the Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF), formerly the Wiper Democratic Movement–Kenya (WDM-K), was formally nominated by his party on Friday, October 10, 2025, to seek the presidency in the 2027 General Election. This nomination sets the stage for complex negotiations among opposition leaders to form a united front against the incumbent President Ruto. The Wiper Patriotic Front was founded in 2006 and advocates for democracy, social justice, and good governance.

Prior to Mashujaa Day, Musyoka had embarked on a 10-day visit to the United Kingdom starting Wednesday, October 15, 2025, to strengthen international partnerships and engage the Kenyan diaspora. During this visit, he delivered a keynote address at the London Political Summit and Awards at the UK Parliament, Westminster, and a special lecture at Oxford University.

Unanswered Questions and Future Outlook

The long-term implications of the opposition's unified boycott of national events remain to be seen. While it signals a strong stance against the current administration, it also raises questions about the effectiveness of such a strategy in mobilising public support and influencing policy. The focus on Odinga's legacy by the opposition, particularly Musyoka's pledge to lead Kenyans to "Canaan," suggests a continued effort to rally support around shared ideals and a vision for the country's future.

What to watch next: The political landscape will likely be shaped by ongoing negotiations among opposition leaders to select a single presidential candidate for 2027. The government's response to the opposition's criticisms and its efforts to foster national unity will also be key areas of observation.