President Uhuru to lead Kenyans in Mashujaa Day fete

President Uhuru Kenyatta will today lead Kenyans in marking the 52^nd Mashujaa Day (previously known as Kenyatta Day) in an event to be held at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.

According to Article 9 of the Constitution, Mashujaa Day is to be observed on the 20^th of October every year, celebrating Kenya’s freedom fighters.

In his interview on Citizen TV’s Sunday Live, Sports, Culture and the Arts Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario, said Kenyans should expect pomp and colour at the national fete.

As the government pulls out all stops to celebrate Mashujaa Day, operations at the National Heroes Council have ground to a halt because of lack of funding. The council is yet to receive financial approval from Parliament in order to proceed with the implementation of the Heroes Act.

In the interview, Wario said that there had been several proposals made to Parliament in regards to funding the council, adding that there are indications that the process will be completed soon.

He noted that the erection of the Mau Mau monument at Uhuru Park last month marked progress in efforts by the colonial government to mend the strained relationship between them and Kenya’s freedom fighters.

“What we have been doing for heroes has been ad hoc. The National Heroes Council will organise all matters to deal with heroes including identifying them, giving them medical care and commemorating them,” he said.

Last year’s event was graced by Rwanda President Paul Kagame and Uganda President Yoweri Museveni among other dignitaries.

You can follow the Mashujaa Day celebrations live on Citizen TV and on @CitizenTvKenya.