Kitui, Kenya – October 21, 2025

The government has moved to quell growing speculation over the conspicuous absence of Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and several top Ukambani leaders during Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kitui on Monday.

Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, speaking on NTV Tuesday morning, dismissed claims that the leaders were deliberately sidelined from the national event held at Ithookwe Stadium.

“This was an open event for everyone,” Mwaura said. “Mashujaa Day is a public holiday — there’s no need for personal invitations to every leader. Let’s not make it political.”

Claims of Exclusion

Mwaura’s remarks came in response to comments by Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua, who alleged that top leaders from the region, including Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr, had been “locked out” of the ceremony.

“You have heard your answer — there was no invitation,” Wambua said on live television. “The Spokesperson needs to be honest. Let’s just agree that there was a breakdown in protocol.”

According to Wambua, no official communication or personal invite was extended to the leaders, despite the celebrations being held in their home region.

Government’s Stand

Mwaura, however, maintained that the celebrations were non-partisan, adding that President William Ruto’s administration intended the event to symbolise unity — especially as it honoured the late Raila Odinga, the country’s former Prime Minister.

“Let’s put politics aside,” he said. “There was no reason to bar any leader, particularly when the government chose to honour our fallen hero Raila Odinga. This was about unity.”

He clarified that members of Parliament, governors, and other national figures were automatically considered invited by virtue of their positions.

“It’s always an open invitation for leaders in Parliament. There was no deliberate exclusion,” Mwaura added.

Extending an Olive Branch

The spokesperson also extended a fresh invitation to the leaders for President Ruto’s upcoming working tour of the Ukambani region, expected in two weeks.

“We want all leaders from Ukambani to attend that visit,” Mwaura said. “It’s for the benefit of the region’s residents.”

Rising Political Tension

The exchange comes against a backdrop of simmering tension between the government and the opposition, particularly after the funeral of Raila Odinga last week.

During the state funeral at Nyayo National Stadium, Kalonzo — one of Raila’s closest political allies — was reportedly denied a chance to speak, a move that sparked unease among his supporters.

He was, however, invited to address mourners during the private burial ceremony in Siaya on Sunday, though other notable opposition figures — including Martha Karua, David Maraga, and Fred Matiang’i — were missing from the programme.

For now, the government insists that the Kitui event was not a political slight. But the optics — and timing — have left many wondering whether the divisions between the ruling coalition and the opposition are once again deepening.