Comedian-turned-activist Eric Omondi has called on Kenyans to attend his alternative Mashujaa Day celebration, scheduled for Sunday, October 20, 2024, at Uhuru Park, Nairobi.
The event will be held in honour of the young people who lost their lives during the Gen Z-led anti-government protests in June 2024.
In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, October 19, Eric urged Kenyans to arrive at Uhuru Park as early as 6 am.
“Tomorrow, Sunday, I am urging and requesting Kenyans from all walks of life to meet at Uhuru Park from 6 am to 3 pm. We will be celebrating our fallen heroes, brothers, and sisters who died during the protests,” he said.
Eric Omondi, who has transitioned from entertainment to activism, provided specific instructions for attendees.
Participants are required to carry a candle, wear black attire, and bring a Kenyan flag.
“Please come carrying a candle, please come wearing black and please come carrying a flag. We will be with the parents and families of our fallen heroes. Tukuje mapema, tuombe, tusherekee mashujaa wetu (Let’s come early, pray, and celebrate our heroes). God bless you, see you tomorrow at Uhuru Park at 6 am,” he added.
Lawyer-cum-political activist Morara Kebaso had earlier stated that he would not attend the parallel Mashujaa Day celebration organised by Eric Omondi at Uhuru Park.
Taking to his X account on Thursday, October 17, 2024, Morara said that he did not know who had funded and sponsored Eric Omondi’s function which is why he was giving the event a wide berth.
Mashujaa Day
Eric Omondi’s event coincides with the official Mashujaa Day celebrations, which will be held in Kwale County this year.
The National Celebrations Steering Committee, led by Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, alongside Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani, recently inspected the ongoing construction of Kwale Stadium, which is being prepared to accommodate at least 10,000 attendees.
Mashujaa Day, also known as Heroes’ Day, is a national holiday observed every October 20 to honour those who contributed to Kenya’s independence and individuals who have made significant contributions to the country post-independence.
While the official ceremony will take place in Kwale, Eric Omondi’s rival event at Uhuru Park is expected to attract attention, particularly from those reflecting on the Gen Z protests and their impact.
