Kenyan Heroes Remembered at Mashujaa Day

Dedan Kimathi Statue along Kimathi Street

President Mwai Kibaki led Kenyans in celebrating the third Mashujaa Day at the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.

Mashujaa Day replaced the previous Kenyatta Day after the promulgation of the new constitution on 24^th August 2010.The day celebrates Kenyan heroes and heroines’ who have made outstanding contributions to the country.

Special mentions this year went to eminent Kenyans who have passed away recently. Among them were Veteran politician Martin Shikuku; Business man and politician Njenga Karume; Former Internal Security Minister Prof. George Saitioti, Former Environment Minister John Michuki; Former Internal Security Assistant Minister Orwa Ojode; Civil servants Geoffrey Kareithi, and David Nalo.

The president also commended our athletes for the spectacular performance at the just concluded 2012 Summer Olympics and Paralympics Games. Kenya’s team captain David Rudisha, Samuel Muchai, Abel Tarbei was also honored for winning gold medals and breaking world records

Other great Kenyans who have been honored at past events include

Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi and his comrade.

 The Kapenguria Six:  Jomo Kenyatta, Bildad Kagia, Paul Ngei, Achieng Oneko, Fred Kubai,and  Kungu Karumba.  

Pre-independence heroes, Mekatilili wa Menza, Harry Thuku, Koitalel Arap Samoei, Harry Thuku, and Muindi Mbingu.  

Liberation leaders, the Late Oginga Odinga, Ronald Ngala, Masinde Muliro, Pio Gama Pinto, Bernard Mate, and Tom Mboya.   

Political leaders, Lawrence G. Sagini, Jean Marie Seroney, James Gichuru and Retired President Daniel Arap Moi.

Sports Personalities, Kipchoge Keino, Naftali Temu, Catherin Nderaba, and Tegla Loroupe.

Historian Bethuel Ogot, Author Ngugi Wa Thiongo, Scientist Thomas Odhiambo, Scholar Al Mazrui Health Specialist Miriam Were and the Late Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai.   

The Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Speaker Kenneth Marende and Chief Justice Willy Mutunga were among the leaders who graced this year’s celebrations.

'What is a society without a heroic dimension?' - Baudrillard Jean