HONOURING OUR HEROES: NPS JOINS THE NATION IN MARKING 2025 MASHUJAA DAY AT ITHOOKWE STADIUM, KITUI

Mashujaa Day, observed annually on 20 October, honours Kenya’s heroes and heroines who contributed immensely to the nation’s struggle for freedom, unity, and development. Originally known as Kenyatta Day, the occasion traces its roots to Kenya’s colonial resistance and was renamed Mashujaa Day under the 2010 Constitution to recognize all individuals who have played key roles in the country’s journey towards independence and progress. This year’s celebrations, led by H.E. President Dr. William Ruto, were held at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County, under the theme “Transforming Lives through Sustainable Energy Solutions.” The theme emphasized the importance of clean and renewable energy in improving livelihoods, promoting equality, and fostering a sustainable future for all Kenyans. 

The event was graced by H.E. Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of the Republic of Senegal, and H.E. Maria Benvinda Levy, Prime Minister of the Republic of Mozambique. Both dignitaries delivered goodwill messages honouring Kenya’s heroes and highlighting the legacy of the late former Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga. In his address, President Ruto paid tribute to the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, describing him as a patriotic and visionary leader whose dedication to peace, unity, and national development continues to inspire generations. The President hailed his enduring courage and selflessness, noting that his legacy symbolizes the spirit of national cohesion and resilience. 

Furthermore, the President outlined three key priority areas for Kenya’s sustainable development: enhancing food security, promoting agro-processing and industrialization, and expanding sustainable energy capacity and infrastructure development to accelerate economic growth. The National Police Service was represented at the celebrations by the Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, Mr. Eliud Lagat, on behalf of the Inspector General, Mr. Douglas Kanja. He was accompanied by the Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service, Mr. Gilbert Masengeli, and the Director, Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Mr. Mohammed Amin. 

Also in attendance were several senior police commanders, including the Commandant of the National Police College Main Campus, Kiganjo, Mr. Nyale Munga, SAIG; the Commandant of the General Service Unit, Mr. Ranson Lolmodooni, SAIG; the Director of the DCI Forensic Laboratory, Ms. Rosemary Kuraru; the Commandant of the National Police College Embakasi A Campus, Mr. Isaac Alimaa, SAIG; the Commandant of the NCIA, DCI, Mr. Sospeter Munyi, SAIG; the Commandant of the Border Patrol Unit, Mr. Davis Lomwatu, SAIG; the Commandant of the Border Patrol Training Campus, Mr. James Kamau, SAIG; the Director of Logistics, KPS, Mr. Peter Ndung’u, SAIG; the Director of Operations, KPS, Mr. Adamson Bungei, SAIG; the Director of Operations, APS, Mr. Jackson Kangani, SAIG; the Director of Training, KPS, Mr. David Birech, SAIG; the Director of Personnel, APS, Mr. Hesbon Lusweti, SAIG; and the NPS Spokesperson, Mr. Muchiri Nyaga, AIG. 

Other senior officers present included the Commandant of the National Government Administration Police Unit (NGAPU), Mr. Charles Mutuma, AIG; the Director of the National Police Reservists, Mr. Kenneth Kimani, AIG; the Commandant of the Rapid Deployment Unit, Mr. Aggrey Shamala, AIG; the Rift Valley Regional Police Commander, Mr. Jasper Ombati, AIG; the Liaison Officer for Traffic, KPS, Dr. Musyoki Mutungi, AIG; the Eastern Regional Police Commander, Mr. Hillary Birgen, AIG; and the Chief of Staff, APS, Mr. Haron Nthiga, AIG.