Government Responds After Kalonzo and Top Ukambani Leaders Missed Ruto’s Mashujaa Day Celebrations
The government has spoken out to dismiss claims that senior political figures from the Ukambani region, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, were deliberately excluded from the Mashujaa Day celebrations held in Kitui County.
The national event took place at Ithookwe Stadium on Monday and was attended by President William Ruto and other top officials.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, speaking during a live phone interview on NTV on Tuesday morning, denied accusations that the government had failed to invite prominent Ukambani leaders such as Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua and Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior.
Mwaura emphasized that the event was open to all Kenyans, regardless of political affiliation, and that no one had been intentionally locked out.
His response followed remarks by Senator Enoch Wambua, who claimed that the government had deliberately sidelined leaders who were seen as critics of President Ruto’s administration.
Wambua expressed disappointment that he was not given a formal invitation despite being the sitting senator of Kitui County, where the celebrations were held.
“You’ve heard it yourselves; there was no invitation. The spokesperson should be honest with Kenyans, and we must be truthful with ourselves.
Let’s admit there was a clear breakdown in communication and protocol,” Senator Wambua said, expressing frustration over what he described as a lack of respect for local leadership.
However, Mwaura strongly disagreed, maintaining that Mashujaa Day is a national celebration that belongs to all citizens.
He explained that it was unnecessary for the government to send personal invitations to every leader, since such national holidays are by nature open to everyone, including elected officials.
“Let’s put politics aside for a moment. This was a very important national day meant to celebrate our heroes and promote unity.
There was absolutely no reason to exclude anyone, especially when the event also honoured our fallen hero, Raila Odinga,” Mwaura said.
He further clarified that elected leaders, including members of Parliament and county officials, are automatically considered invited to national events, even without written communication. “Mashujaa Day is a public event for all Kenyans.
Every elected leader has an open invitation by virtue of their position. Let’s not turn this into a political issue,” he added.
Mwaura also extended a fresh invitation to the region’s leaders to participate in President William Ruto’s upcoming tour of the Ukambani region, scheduled for two weeks from now.
He noted that the president’s working visit would focus on development projects aimed at improving the livelihoods of residents in Kitui, Machakos, and Makueni counties.
“The government values every region and every leader. During the president’s upcoming visit, we would like to see all leaders from Ukambani join hands for the sake of their people. Development should unite us, not divide us,” Mwaura emphasized.
Tensions between the government and the opposition have been rising in recent days. During the late Raila Odinga’s state funeral service at Nyayo National Stadium last Friday, Kalonzo Musyoka — Raila’s longtime political ally — was reportedly denied a chance to speak, a move that sparked criticism from the Azimio coalition.
However, at the burial ceremony held on Sunday, Kalonzo was allowed to address mourners, although several other prominent opposition figures, including Martha Karua, former Chief Justice David Maraga, and ex-Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, were absent from the official programme.
Political observers note that the recent sequence of events — from the Mashujaa Day controversy to the funeral restrictions — may reflect the widening gap between the government and opposition leaders.
Still, Mwaura insisted that the government remains committed to unity and inclusivity, urging leaders to prioritize national interest over political rivalry.
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