Kenyans across the nation are marking Mashujaa Day on Monday, October 20, 2025, with a dual sense of national pride and profound loss, following the recent state funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The national celebrations, held at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County, proceed amidst a period of national mourning for Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in India and was laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, 2025, in Bondo, Siaya County.

Westlands Member of Parliament Tim Wanyonyi, a prominent figure in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), paid a heartfelt tribute to Odinga on Monday, October 20, 2025, describing him as a "true Shujaa of Democracy whose courage, endurance, and love for this nation reshaped our destiny."

Odinga's State Funeral and National Tributes

Raila Odinga's state funeral was a significant national event, drawing thousands of mourners, including President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta. The ceremony, held at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo, featured a 17-gun salute, a rare honour for a non-head of state, underscoring his national importance. His iconic hat and fly whisk were placed beside his mother, Mary Ajuma Odinga, at the family compound, symbolising his enduring status as a national icon.

The government declared a seven-day national mourning period following Odinga's death, with flags flying at half-mast across Kenya and at its diplomatic missions abroad. Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura affirmed that Mashujaa Day celebrations would proceed as planned, in accordance with the Public Holidays Act and Article 9(3) of the Constitution of Kenya (2010), despite the mourning period.

Devolution as a Lasting Legacy

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo emphasised devolution as a key part of Odinga's enduring legacy. Speaking ahead of the Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kitui, Omollo noted that infrastructure projects like the rehabilitated Kitui Airstrip and the new Ithookwe Stadium enhance local enterprise and connectivity, reflecting Odinga's vision for devolved development. The 10,000-seater Ithookwe Stadium, once an old showground, has been transformed into a modern sports and events complex, serving as a legacy project for Kitui County.

Mashujaa Day 2025: Honouring All Heroes

Beyond historical figures, MP Wanyonyi urged Kenyans to recognise the contributions of everyday heroes. He specifically acknowledged teachers, health workers, farmers, youth, and voters who consistently participate in elections, all of whom contribute to the nation's dream. Mashujaa Day 2025, themed "Transforming Lives Through Sustainable Energy Solutions," aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, Kenya's Vision 2030, and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). The celebrations in Kitui are expected to attract national and county leaders, as well as thousands of Kenyans.

Unanswered Questions and Next Steps

While the national mourning period for Raila Odinga has concluded with his burial, the long-term political implications of his passing remain a subject of discussion. The question of succession within the ODM party and the broader Luo Nyanza political landscape is likely to unfold in the coming months.

What to Watch

As the nation moves forward, attention will be on how the political landscape evolves in the wake of Odinga's absence. The government's continued focus on devolution projects, as highlighted by PS Omollo, will also be a key area to watch, particularly in how these initiatives continue to impact local communities and economic development across the country. The theme of sustainable energy for Mashujaa Day 2025 also signals a continued national focus on environmental and economic sustainability.