Ruto Marks Mashujaa Day in Kitui with Bold Infrastructure Vision

The President announced that his administration would pursue large-scale transport and infrastructure projects aimed at connecting Kenya’s regions, unlocking trade, and boosting economic productivity.

He credited Raila's tenure as Minister for Roads, Public Works, and Housing under former President Mwai Kibaki for shaping Kenya’s modern infrastructure outlook.

“Baba often reminded me that no economy can flourish without world-class infrastructure,” the President said.

Key Infrastructure Commitments:

• Highway Dualing: Dual at least 1,000 kilometres of major highways, including the Rironi–Nakuru–Mau Summit–Eldoret–Malaba road, Mombasa–Nairobi highway, and the Marua–Nanyuki–Isiolo corridor.

• New Tarmac Roads: An additional 10,000 kilometres of new tarmac roads will be constructed to connect farmers, traders, and manufacturers to key markets.

• SGR Extension: Plans to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Kisumu and onward to Malaba, completing a regional link to Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

President Ruto affirmed that the projects would place Kenya at the heart of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He further insisted that the program’s ambition was in the spirit of the late opposition leader. “To some, these projects may seem out of reach, but this is where bold, visionary, and heroic leadership comes in—the kind that Hon. Raila Odinga embodied,” he stated.

Highest Civilian Honour for Raila

During the ceremony, President Ruto led Kenyans in observing a moment of silence for the late ODM leader, who was buried on Sunday in Bondo.

In a historic move, President Ruto posthumously conferred Raila with Kenya’s highest civilian honour—the Chief of the Golden Heart of Kenya (CGH)—in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the nation.

The President described Raila as “a patriot whose courage and vision transformed our republic.” Speaking candidly about the loss, Ruto noted that their political rivalry had evolved into mutual respect, stating, “Many commentators say this is a big blow for me. Yes, it is. It is a very big blow.”

Kalonzo’s Absence Sparks Debate

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s absence from the national Mashujaa Day celebrations in his home region of Kitui became a major talking point among leaders and the public.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei criticised the Wiper leader’s no-show, calling it “unpatriotic” and “disrespectful” to a day meant to honour Kenya’s heroes.

Despite his absence, Kalonzo released a heartfelt statement dedicating the Mashujaa Day to Raila Odinga, whom he described as “the embodiment of Kenya’s enduring spirit of resilience and sacrifice.”