President William Ruto on Monday morning arrived at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County to lead this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations, marking the official start of the national event dedicated to Kenya’s heroes.

The Head of State made his way into the packed stadium aboard his presidential convoy, standing in a unique open-roof vehicle as he waved to the cheering crowds.

With his hands raised, President Ruto acknowledged thousands of Kenyans who had already filled the stadium, many draped in national colors, waving flags, and white handkerchiefs.

His arrival was marked by tight security, with a fleet of police escort motorcycles clearing the way in disciplined formation.

The patriotic song Kenya Nchi Yetu was performed during the celebrations.

First Lady Rachel Ruto had arrived moments earlier and was warmly received by dignitaries at the venue.

Shortly before the president, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye made his entrance in a black SUV bearing a special diplomatic number plate with the Senegalese flag.

He was welcomed by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.

Faye’s presence underscored the continental solidarity woven into this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations, where international guests joined Kenyans in honoring the country’s heroes.

As President Ruto’s vehicle drove into the stadium, the mood shifted into a heightened display of patriotism.

Military personnel from the Kenya Defence Forces staged a disciplined entry march in colorful uniforms representing the Kenya Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Each unit marched into position in perfect formation, forming a striking display of military discipline and national pride.

Adding a cultural dimension to the occasion, some soldiers were adorned in traditional attire and hats, playing trumpets that rang with patriotic songs.

Their symbolic appearance blended Kenya’s heritage with modern military pomp, a reminder of the unity between cultural identity and national strength.

Inside the stadium, the stage was set for a day of tributes, entertainment, and speeches.

The podium, adorned in national colors, awaited the President’s address, which is expected to highlight the sacrifices of Kenya’s past heroes while outlining the government’s vision for the future.

Among the dignitaries already seated was National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who joined leaders from across the political spectrum in commemorating the day.

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Other invited guests included foreign envoys, cabinet secretaries, governors, and members of Parliament.

Kenyans, meanwhile, turned out in large numbers, with long queues forming as early as dawn.

Families, students, and community groups streamed into the venue in orderly fashion, many carrying miniature flags or dressed in Kenyan colors. Some painted their faces in black, red, green, and white, while children proudly waved flags from the stands.

The arrival of President Ruto signaled the official kickoff of the celebrations.

His presence set the stage for a full programme that includes military parades, traditional performances, choir renditions, and the President’s Mashujaa Day address, which is expected to pay tribute not only to independence freedom fighters but also to modern-day heroes in various sectors.