Muthoni Likimani: 100-year-old Mau Mau veteran still going strong

Muthoni Likimani. [File, Standard]

The 2025 Mashujaa Day was different from previous Mashujaa/Kenyatta days in tone as well as significance. It came as Kenyans mourned Raila Amolo Odinga whose death and subsequent funeral events defied logic, expectation, and order. President William Ruto decided to treat Raila as co-president by giving him a State funeral and the presidential CGH award. With supporters disrupting official arrangements, it also marked a generational transition with one name, Babu Owino, attracting attention in gatherings at Parliament, Kasarani, Nyayo, and Bondo.

On the Mashujaa Day itself as the official ceremony was being held in Kitui, there were other venues for ‘shujaa’ ceremonies. First, Kenya’s fourth president Uhuru Kenyatta remained in Bondo and visited Raila’s grave accompanied by Ida and Oburu Odinga.