Today marks a very important day in Kenya, Mashujaa day. The day we celebrate the heroes who fought for our Independence. The men and women who sacrificed their blood, sweat and tears so that we can see a better Kenya. A Kenya devoid of colonial oppression and colonial rule.
History of the day
This special day was previously known as Kenyatta day, after the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, the first Prime Minister and later onFirst President of the Republic.
The day was first honored in 1958 by activists after the detainment of the Kapenguria Six (Paul Ngei, Bildad Kaggia, Kung’u Karumba, Achieng’ Oneko, Fred Kubai, and Jomo Kenyatta ).
The six were still in prison during that time and only got released in 1961. In 1963, when Kenya gained independence, the day was set in stone and embedded as Kenyatta Day.
It maintained its name for over 40 years and was changed to Mashujaa day during the adoption of the new constitution in 2010.
Today, we celebrate the men and women who built the Kenya that we have today.
Celebrating Five of Our Fallen Heroes.
- Jomo Kenyatta
We cannot mention anyone else without him leading. As the leader of KANU, he led Kenya to independence from British colonial rule in 1963. He later became the president of the republic for 15 year and was given the name Mzee, an honorary title depicting him as The Father of the Nation.
- Wangari Maathai
Although Wangari Maathai didn’t play a part in Kenya’s independence, she is celebrated for the things she did for our motherland. She broke down barriers that had been set to cage women by becoming the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
Her organization, the Green Belt Movement, did the unimaginable and planted over Thirty Million trees in thirty years. She was also a professor at University of Nairobi, the first woman in fact.
- Jaramogi Oginga Odinga
This prominent figure served alongside Mzee and was the first Vice President of Kenya in 1964. He later became the leader of the opposition party. He is well remembered for using the phrase, ‘not yet Uhuru.’
Meaning that even though the colonial rule had ended, the country had yet to attain total freedom.
- Rev Thomas Johnson
Have you ever wondered who composed the national anthem? Was it a one man’s job or did many people contribute? Well it was curated by this Reverend.
He was not just a Reverend but the first Kenyan clergyman and politician to be elected as a Member of Parliament.
- Dedan Kimathi
He was the head of Mau Mau and fearlessly waged the famous guerrilla war on the British. Dedan was captured and executed in 1957. Despite losing the battle, he won the war.
Well they say not all heroes wear capes, I’m here to tell you that not all heroes are six feet under too.
In our society today, we are surrounded by people who have fought hard and put everything on the line for us.
Whether it’s your parents who gave everything to raise you or that teacher who believed in you despite the bad grades you got.
Whether it was a friend who had your back during that financial crisis when you almost got kicked out of your house or the doctor who held your hand as you waited for your medical examinations.
Let’s not wait to celebrate our heroes after they have left us. So, who is your Mashujaa today?
Wildly tamed 
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