By - Editor
Loading article content...
Loading article content...
Kenya, 20 October 2026 - Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has arrived at Kipchoge Keino Stadium for the Mashujaa Day celebrations, as President William Ruto leads the country in honouring its heroes.
Dr Ruto arrived at the stadium a few minutes before 10am, shortly after his Ethiopian guest.
Ahmed has maintained close ties with the Kenyan leader. On 30 September 2026, he joined President Ruto and Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Lamu East Africa Petroleum Refinery.
Dangote said the Ethiopian leader was determined to deliver tangible development in his country, which is why his company is undertaking a massive fertiliser project there.
“The Lamu project is the second-fastest project my company has implemented, after the Gode Fertiliser Project in Ethiopia,” Dangote said.
Dr Ruto has also made frequent working visits to Ethiopia, so PM Ahmed's attendance at the Mashujaa Day celebrations comes as no surprise.
Immediately on arrival, the Ethiopian prime minister waved to the thousands of people who thronged the stadium.
Dr Ruto arrived on a ceremonial vehicle that took him around the field, where he waved to Kenyans and other attendees. The Head of State then inspected the guard of honour, accompanied by Chief of the Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri.
He then took to the main podium, where he greeted PM Ahmed, Kenya's First Lady Rachel Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, the Speakers of the National Assembly and the Senate, and other leaders. Also present was Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU-K) Secretary General Francis Atwoli.
More from Kenya
This year’s Mashujaa Day is the 63rd edition since Kenya gained independence in 1963.
Kenya marks Mashujaa Day every year on October 20. The public holiday was formerly called Kenyatta Day. It is the 17th edition since the holiday was officially renamed from Kenyatta Day to Mashujaa Day in 2010.
This year’s national celebrations are being shared among three counties: Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet. It is the first time a national holiday has been organised as a joint effort by several counties. The main ceremony is taking place at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, where President Ruto is presiding over the commemorations.
In the run-up to the day, President Ruto toured the three host counties, as well as Trans Nzoia and West Pokot, to commission and inspect development projects.
In 2025, Kitui County hosted the celebrations at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui town, under the theme “Transforming Lives through Sustainable Energy Solutions”. The 2026 theme is “Security, Sports and the Economy”.
Interior and National Administration Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo said the theme reflects how closely the three sectors are connected. He explained that a secure environment allows business and sporting talent to thrive, while sports in turn create jobs, develop talent and boost local enterprises.
Dr Omollo added that together the three areas can attract investment, open up opportunities for young people and speed up economic growth, improving livelihoods nationwide.