Written By Josphine Kasimu
Cabinet Secretary for Sports and Youth Affairs, Salim Mvurya, has called on Kitui residents to disregard divisive political rhetoric and instead join leaders and fellow Kenyans in celebrating Mashujaa Day on 20th October 2025.
Speaking on Tuesday, 7th October 2025, during an inspection tour of the Ithookwe Showground, which is now 96% complete and set to host this year’s national celebrations, Mvurya criticized opposition leaders for spreading negativity about the national government’s ongoing development projects in Kitui County.
He said some leaders were misleading residents to ignore the visible progress being made in preparation for the Mashujaa Day festivities, which will be held in Kitui for the first time.
“I saw the other day some people have gotten used to complaining all through. Kitui having a state lounge and a national stadium is your right like any other Kenyan’s. Please ignore these people and come together to celebrate because this is what you deserve,” said Mvurya.
The CS emphasized that Kitui residents are entitled to government projects such as airstrips, modern stadiums, and improved roads, adding that these developments are designed to uplift livelihoods and spur regional growth.
“These are development projects you have gone years without, and now that they are here, you should celebrate them,” he added.
Mvurya announced that the handover ceremony for the Ithookwe Stadium, which was initially scheduled for 7th October, had been postponed to 14th October to allow final touches and other ceremonial preparations ahead of the national event.
He reaffirmed President William Ruto’s commitment to delivering on his promises, saying that the completion of the stadium was part of the Kenya Kwanza government’s broader development agenda.
“Next week we will hand over this stadium to allow rehearsals and final activities for Mashujaa Day. This was the President’s promise, and he has delivered,” Mvurya noted.
The Sports CS also assured Kitui residents that all projects initiated by the national government under Kenya Kwanza will be completed in full.“Do not worry about the pending works; that is our responsibility, and we shall complete every unfinished section,” he assured.
He added that the only remaining tasks at the stadium site include the construction of an 885-metre perimeter wall and finishing the access road, which are expected to be completed within a week.
“We have already ordered the start of the perimeter wall and the completion of the access road to ensure the stadium is fully ready before the celebrations,” Mvurya said.
On his part, Principal Secretary for Interior, Raymond Omollo, who also chairs the Technical and Steering Committee for National Celebrations, echoed Mvurya’s sentiments and expressed confidence in the preparations.
“As the chair of the national celebrations committee, I am confident that Kitui is ready to host Mashujaa Day. Contractors and all stakeholders have assured us of timely completion. I urge all leaders and Kenyans to plan to attend these celebrations,” Omollo stated.
With just two weeks to go, the stage is set for Kitui County to make history as it hosts its first-ever national Mashujaa Day celebration—a moment both leaders insist should unite rather than divide residents.
