Kalonzo celebrates Mashujaa Day with music and crowds at city concert

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka marked Mashujaa Day in Nairobi by attending the annual Mashujaa Love concert, a high-energy celebration that blends music, poetry, and activism to honour Kenya’s heroes.

The event, organised by the Defenders Coalition, celebrates those who fought for the country’s freedom, democracy, and social justice, including victims of recent protests and struggles for human rights.

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The concert took place at Ufungamano House on Mamlaka Road, Nairobi, running from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm with free entry, drawing a wide and diverse crowd.

Also watch: Kalonzo Musyoka pens heartfelt tribute to Raila on Mashujaa Day

Key figures in the human rights community were also present, including Kamau Ngugi, Executive Director of Defenders Coalition, and Faith Odhiambo, President of the Law Society of Kenya.

Defenders Coalition, in a post on Facebook on Monday, October 20, 2025, hailed the presence of the leaders and insisted that the event went well, celebrating resilience, unity, and activism.

“Joining Kenyans to Celebrate resilience, unity and activism on #MadarakaDay are Kamau Ngugi, Executive Director Defenders Coalition, @LawSocietyofKenya President Faith Odhiambo, #Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka at the#MashujaaDay2025 #mashujaaloveconcert.”

The one-day festival featured troves of performances designed to celebrate heroes and inspire reflection.

Activist rapper Willy Oeba delivered a powerful set addressing social justice, civic responsibility, and the ongoing struggle against impunity, while Boniface Mwangi captivated the audience with a speech that emphasised the importance of accountability, equity, and human rights.

Kalonzo Musyoka, in a livestream by Defenders Coalition on Facebook, was seen fully engaged in the performances, dancing and interacting with participants, immersing himself in the energy and message of the event.

The Mashujaa Love concert has, over the past five years, offered a platform for veteran and young human rights defenders to connect, debrief, and strengthen their advocacy efforts.

While the concert celebrated heroes through activism and art, the official Mashujaa Day celebrations took place at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County, Kalonzo’s home turf.

Thousands attended, including President William Ruto, who dedicated the celebrations to the late Raila Odinga, recognising his enduring contribution to Kenya’s democracy, unity, and freedom.

Kalonzo’s decision to celebrate Mashujaa Day at the Nairobi concert rather than in Kitui drew criticism from political figures.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei described him as a coward, accusing him of disrespecting both the nation and his constituents by missing the national event in his home region.

“Kalonzo is a coward of the century; by skipping the Mashujaa Day national celebrations, that was unpatriotic to the country, yet all Ukambani are attending in mammoth crowds,” Cherargei wrote.