President William Ruto’s advisor on Constitutional Affairs, Makau Mutua, has faulted several Kitui leaders for failing to attend the Mashujaa Day celebrations held at Ithookwe Stadium on October 20.
In a statement on Tuesday, Mutua described their absence as a missed opportunity to connect with the people of Kitui and to honour Kenya’s national heroes. He emphasized that all senior leaders, regardless of political affiliation, should have joined President Ruto at the event, which was also attended by top government officials and foreign dignitaries.
“All the senior Kitui leaders, including those on the side opposite, ought to have attended the Mashujaa Day celebrations at Ithookwe Stadium to join President William Ruto in honouring the Rt Hon Raila Odinga, who loved Kitui and visited often,” Mutua stated.
Mutua dismissed claims by some leaders that they were not invited, terming such excuses as “lame.” He said it was strange for leaders to claim exclusion from an event in their own home county, noting that Kitui may not host such celebrations again for another 46 years.
He praised Ithookwe Stadium as “the most immaculate of all county stadia,” and lauded residents for turning out in large numbers, calling the crowd “mammoth.”
Mutua urged local leaders to rise above political divisions and avoid using national holidays to score political points.
“It’s a lost chance for them to greet their own people. Sad!” he added.
Earlier, Kitui Senator Enock Wambua said in an NTV interview that he was not invited to the event. He maintained that it was a conscious decision not to attend, citing lack of consultation.
Wambua argued that while he had previously received invitations to national events, this time he did not, adding, “This was not a county event but a national event.”
