Senegal’s President Faye jets into the country ahead of Mashujaa Day
By William Muthama, October 19, 2025Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture, and Heritage Salim Mvurya welcomed President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye of Senegal at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) ahead of Mashujaa Day celebrations scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County, in accordance with the Public Holidays Act.
In a post on X on Sunday, October 19, CS Mvurya wrote: “It is my distinct honour, as the Escort of Honour, to receive and welcome His Excellency Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, President of the Republic of Senegal, at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.”
The Senegalese president will grace the Mashujaa Day events as a distinguished guest of honour and also undertake a state visit aimed at deepening bilateral relations, cooperation, and shared aspirations between Kenya and Senegal. CS Mvurya highlighted the importance of the visit in strengthening diplomatic, cultural, and sports ties.
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This year’s Mashujaa Day comes at a poignant moment for the nation, which is observing seven days of mourning following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The celebrations are expected to honour not only Kenya’s historical heroes but also Raila’s life and contributions to the country’s democracy, unity, and political legacy.
CS Mvurya further emphasised the significance of the reception, stating in his post: “President Bassirou is in Kenya to grace tomorrow’s Mashujaa Day Celebrations in Kitui County as a distinguished Guest of Honour, and to undertake a State Visit aimed at deepening and strengthening the bilateral relations, cooperation, and shared aspirations between Kenya and Senegal.”
The arrival of Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye in Nairobi comes days after government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura assured that Mashujaa Day celebrations will go on as planned, following the state burial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Despite the nation observing a seven-day mourning period, officials confirmed that the festivities at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County will proceed, encouraging Kenyans to attend in large numbers and use the occasion to honour both national heroes and Raila Odinga’s enduring legacy.