Ndeke ya Muthanga steals show at Mashujaa Day with electrifying dance
By Steve Ireri, October 20, 2025Kamba musician and dancer Ken Kijana, alias Ndeke ya Muthanga, has now stepped into the limelight of national fame after being among the few artistes selected to perform at the 2025 Mashujaa Day celebrations held at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui on Monday, October 20, 2025.
And to say the least, the singer did not disappoint as he pulled through his signature dance moves, including one where he shakes his head round and round, leaving guests including Mama Rachael Ruto clapping in amusement.
In a live stream by President William Ruto on Facebook, Ndeke, who was dressed in a black suit, is seen being ushered into the stadium, where he arrived with a troupe of dancers, performing close to three hits before capping it all with his recently released single Kisunguli.
That was when things reached a climax as he began doing his popular twerk dance and combining it with his refined head-twirl routine, leaving people cheering wildly.
This performance came after days of rehearsals as shared on their TikTok page, which possibly explains why he missed the Kamba Festival that went on at the Machakos Golf Club on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
Ndeke has been popular, albeit in his Ukambani region, but the dance he pulled off during the national celebration may bring a new lifeline to his career.
Videos from the Mashujaa Day event showed people genuinely marvelling at his unique dance skills that were full of life and energy, as even his tie could be seen floating in the air due to the vigorous shaking of his body and the twirling of his head.
Ndeke was among a select list of Kamba singers who performed at the event, including renowned Kamba gospel singer Stella Mengele, Stephen Kasolo, the Kokongo Sisters, gospel singer Justus Myello, contemporary singer Jay Lava Baibe, Bosco Mulwa, Mahukum and gospel singer Sarah Mulandi, among others.
Everyone had their moment to perform, including gospel singer Stella Mengele, who sang her all-time favourite hit Siri ya Maisha, which talks about why people should never stress over life.
Her performance was complemented by that of Gwata Kawaya singer Dr Mbuvi, who joined her in dance as Stella was preparing to cap off her performance.
Mashujaa Day, formerly known as Kenyatta Day, was renamed after the 2010 Constitution to celebrate all national heroes, not just the founding fathers. The national holiday honours heroes who contributed to the country’s freedom and development.
This year’s celebrations, which were held in Ukambani, were marked by a full stadium attendance from Kenyans and featured military parades, cultural performances and recognition of outstanding citizens.