Mashujaa day, also known as Heroes day is celebrated annually on the 20th of October. Mashujaa is a Swahili word for heroes.
It is a public holiday to honor all Kenyans who have contributed to the struggles for Kenya`s independence.
While briefing the media on Wednesday at Safari Club Lillian Towers, The Nairobi Regional Commissioner (RC) Kang’ethe Thuku said, “This is a very important activity in our calendar as the struggle for independence involved suppression and loss of lives. About 10,000 brave freedom fighters were imprisoned.
He also said that the day will be used to remember Kenyans who are hard hit by severe drought and those who were affected by Covid -19 pandemic.
The Holiday used to be called Kenyatta Day, named after Jomo Kenyatta, the first Prime Minister and then President of Kenya.
He was arrested in October 1952 along with five others; Bildad Kaggia, Achieng Oneko, Fred Kubai, Kungu Karumba, and Paul Ngei having been charged with being members of the Mau Mau Society, a movement that engaged in rebellion against Kenya`s British rulers.
The 6 were referred to as the `Kapenguria six’. Their detainment is considered as a popular event in the struggle for independence and was set to be memorialized with a public holiday on 20th October.
After 1963 when Kenya gained its independence, the date was ingrained in the law as Kenyatta Day. It was renamed Mashujaa day following the adoption of the new constitution in 2010. The focus was widened to include all those who contributed to the independence of Kenya.
To celebrate Mashujaa Day activities, Kenyans will go for Mashujaa day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens Memorial Park.
A presidential address is delivered, and a motorcade parade takes place followed by skydiving demonstrations.
This will be the first Jamhuri Day celebrations that President William Ruto will attend as the Head of state, with some 230 people set to be recognized as Hero’s and Heroines.
Visiting the statue of Kenyatta, who is also called ‘Father of the Kenyan Nation ‘is also a way of celebrating this special day.
Moreover, you can read relevant history books to know more about the country’s history.
BY STACY EDITH.