Eldoret, Oct 20 (254.ke): President William Ruto presided over Mashujaa Day 2026 at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret on Tuesday, where 264 Kenyans were honoured, among them the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. It was the first time the national holiday was hosted jointly by three counties: Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed joined Ruto and other dignitaries at the stadium, People Daily reported. The Star reported that speakers also paid tribute to young people who took part in the June 2024 protests.
Who was honoured on Mashujaa Day 2026?
The National Heroes Council named 264 honourees across 14 categories, including the liberation struggle, spiritual leadership, indigenous knowledge, cultural values and practices, arts, sports, and scholarship and professionalism. Council chief executive Charles Wambia said the selection focused on people who “had gone above and beyond” in their fields, and some awards were made posthumously.
Names highlighted in The Star’s report include:
- Raila Odinga, honoured for decades of work on multiparty democracy, constitutional reform and devolution. He died on October 15, 2025.
- William Ole Ntimama, the veteran politician who died in 2016.
- Pheroze Nowrojee, Senior Counsel, recognised for human rights advocacy and constitutionalism.
- Willy Mutunga, Chief Justice from 2011 to 2016.
- Amina Mohammed, a public servant and diplomat who has held senior posts in Kenya and at international institutions.
What did leaders say at the Eldoret ceremony?
According to The Star, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka honoured the young people who walked out on June 25, 2024, and the parents whose children did not return home, calling those who stood up for their constitutional rights “our heroes.” National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula urged Kenyans to honour teachers, health workers, security officers, farmers and young innovators, saying freedoms “were hard-won and must never be taken for granted.”
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino paid tribute to his mother and wife and said “some heroes wear uniforms.” Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who is also ODM national chair, credited Raila Odinga’s sacrifices with securing the democratic space Kenyans now enjoy and urged each citizen to be “a shujaa in our own way.”
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen urged Kenyans to draw inspiration from those who fought colonial rule. Interior PS Raymond Omollo said security underpins sport, economic growth and national development. Health CS Aden Duale said the government remained committed to Universal Health Coverage.
Why was Mashujaa Day held in Eldoret?
Elgeyo Marakwet was first picked to host at Kamariny Stadium in Iten. The main ceremony was moved to Eldoret after construction delays raised doubts about the venue’s readiness, Eastleigh Voice reported. The Kipchoge Keino Stadium, which seats about 15,000, was reported to be roughly 80 per cent complete on the day, with overflow seating and large screens set up outside.
Crowds reportedly began rushing the entrances at midnight and the stadium was full by about 4am. The government has set aside Sh63 million in awards for sports tournaments across the three host counties, according to the same report.
Key facts at a glance
| Date | Tuesday, October 20, 2026 |
| Venue | Kipchoge Keino Stadium, Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County |
| Host counties | Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet (first joint hosting) |
| Presiding | President William Ruto |
| Honourees | 264 across 14 categories |
| Guest | Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed |
Outlets differ on the day’s theme and on which anniversary of the holiday this is, so 254.ke has left both out. Earlier coverage of the venue decision is in our Mashujaa Day 2026 Eldoret venue report, and the Kitui preparations are in Kitui stadium upgrade for Mashujaa Day.
FAQ
What is Mashujaa Day?
Mashujaa Day, held every October 20, is a public holiday honouring Kenyans who contributed to the country’s struggle for independence and its development. The Kenyan government outlines public holidays on its official channels, including the Kenya News Agency.
Where was Mashujaa Day 2026 held?
At Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, jointly hosted by Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
How many people were honoured?
The National Heroes Council named 264 honourees across 14 categories, including Raila Odinga, posthumously.
Was Ruto’s speech reported?
The reports reviewed for this article did not detail the president’s remarks. 254.ke will update this story when they are available.
By the 254.ke Newsroom.
