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Kenyans gathered in Kitui for Mashujaa Day celebrations, marked by Senegalese President Bassirou Faye's presence and a posthumous honour for Raila Odinga, even as the nation eyes future transport with emerging VTOL aircraft technology.
Thousands of Kenyans converged at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County on Monday, October 20, 2025, to commemorate Mashujaa Day, a national holiday honouring the country's heroes and heroines. The celebrations were graced by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye as the chief guest, marking his first official visit to Kenya since assuming office in 2024.
President William Ruto led the nation in the festivities, which included patriotic songs, traditional dances, and military parades. During the event, President Ruto posthumously awarded the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (C.G.H.), the country's highest honour. This recognition acknowledged Odinga's significant contributions to Kenya's democracy and development.
The Mashujaa Day celebrations occurred amidst ongoing discussions about the political future of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) following the recent passing of its long-serving leader, Raila Odinga, on October 15, 2025. Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics, died in India while receiving treatment. His death has left a significant void within the opposition and the Luo community, which he had led for decades.
In the immediate aftermath of Odinga's death, the ODM National Executive Committee (NEC) appointed Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, Raila's elder brother, as the interim party leader. This move aimed to prevent potential divisions within the party and the community. Raila's children, including Rosemary Odinga, have publicly vowed to continue their father's legacy of unity and working with others for the good of Kenya and Africa.
Before his passing, Raila Odinga had emphasised the importance of ODM unity, particularly in the context of the party's collaboration with President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA). He had stated that this partnership was crucial in averting national collapse following the 2024 protests, which he described as bringing Kenya to the brink of chaos. However, Odinga had also clarified that the pact with UDA was valid only until the 2027 General Election, cautioning ODM members against pre-committing beyond that period.
In parallel with these political developments, Kenya is actively exploring advancements in aviation technology, particularly in Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft. Kenya Airways, through its subsidiary Fahari Aviation, aims to begin testing electric VTOL (eVTOL) aircraft from 2025. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to support urban air mobility and address challenges such as traffic congestion in cities like Nairobi.
Fahari Aviation has signed a Letter of Intent with Eve Air Mobility, a unit of Embraer, for the provisional purchase of up to 40 eVTOL vehicles, with deliveries expected to commence in 2026. These eVTOL aircraft are designed to offer reduced noise, lower emissions, and enhanced cost efficiency compared to traditional aircraft. They are envisioned for various applications, including passenger transport, cargo delivery, wildlife protection, and medical services.
Globally, the development of VTOL aircraft is accelerating. Engineers at the Aviation Industry Corp of China are reportedly working on at least two new types of new-energy VTOL aircraft, currently in unmanned prototype stages. These models are being designed for diverse applications, including air transportation, aerial sightseeing, and emergency response, with a focus on adaptability to challenging environments like plateaus.
While the appointment of Oburu Odinga as interim ODM leader provides temporary stability, the long-term succession plan for the party and the broader Luo political leadership remains uncertain. Political analysts have highlighted that ODM has not adequately prepared for a future without Raila Odinga, raising questions about who can effectively fill his shoes. The dynamics of leadership within the Luo community, traditionally unified under the Odinga name, are also expected to evolve.
Internationally, a cargo plane skidded off a Hong Kong runway into the sea on Monday, October 20, 2025, resulting in two fatalities among ground staff. The Boeing 747 cargo plane, operated by Turkish carrier ACT Airlines on behalf of Emirates, was arriving from the United Arab Emirates when the incident occurred. Investigations into the cause of the crash are underway.
The coming months will be critical for ODM as it navigates its future without Raila Odinga. Observers will be keen to see how the party manages its internal leadership dynamics and whether a clear successor emerges to maintain its political influence. The extent of the ODM-UDA collaboration beyond 2027 will also be a key area to watch. Additionally, the progress of eVTOL aircraft testing and deployment by Kenya Airways will signal Kenya's commitment to embracing advanced air mobility solutions for urban development and other sectors.
