The government has moved to clarify the controversy surrounding the absence of top Ukambani leaders, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, from President William Ruto’s Mashujaa Day celebrations held in Kitui County.
Speaking during a live call-in session on NTV on Tuesday morning, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura dismissed claims that the leaders were deliberately sidelined. He was responding to allegations made by Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua, who accused the government of intentionally locking out critics of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
According to Senator Wambua, no personal invitations were extended to him or other regional leaders such as Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior, despite their roles and proximity to the venue. “You have heard your answer there was no invitation. The Spokesperson needs to be honest. Let us just agree there was a breakdown in protocol,” Wambua stated.
However, Mwaura maintained that Mashujaa Day is a public event open to all Kenyans, including political leaders, and does not require personal invitations. “Let us put politics aside. This was an important national event, held to honour our fallen hero Raila Odinga for the sake of unity. There was no reason to bar any leader from attending,” he asserted.
Mwaura further clarified that members of Parliament and other elected leaders have an “automatic invitation” to such national events. He urged leaders to avoid politicizing the matter, adding that another opportunity to unite would arise when President Ruto visits the region in two weeks for a working tour.
The incident comes amid growing political tension between the government and the opposition, following the state funeral of Raila Odinga, where Kalonzo was initially denied a speaking slot — only later addressing mourners during the burial ceremony on Sunday.
