The aftermath of the Mashujaa Day celebrations held on October 20, 2025, at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County continues to stir discontent, with residents decrying losses suffered in the name of hosting the national event. Many in the region say the celebrations brought more harm than good, following the demolition of small businesses ahead of President William Ruto’s visit.
As the President begins his four-day tour of Ukambani covering Makueni, Kitui, and Machakos counties anger remains high in Kitui, where locals accuse the government of neglecting their economic welfare.
Former Governor Charity Ngilu has emerged as one of the most vocal critics, condemning what she described as the “inhumane” destruction of traders’ kiosks in Kitui town.
“The kiosks were a lifeline for many mothers and youth, but they were demolished just to make the town ‘look nice’ for visitors,” Ngilu said. She spoke on Saturday, November 8, 2025, during a funeral in Kitui Central, lamenting that while the dignitaries have since left, the traders remain without income or hope.
“The visitors are gone, but traders cannot feed their children, pay school fees, or afford rent,” she said, accusing both the county and national governments of turning a blind eye to the suffering.
Ngilu further criticised the county administration under Governor Julius Malombe, saying it has not provided alternative trading spaces or compensation. “County governments should support local business, not destroy it. The silence from both levels of government is unacceptable,” she declared, vowing that “kiosks will never again be demolished in Kitui.”
President Ruto’s Ukambani Itinerary
President Ruto’s tour begins on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, in Makueni County, where he is set to commission the Mikuyuni Bridge, launch the Emali–Ukia Road, and inspect the Wote affordable housing project.
On Thursday, November 13, he will proceed to Kitui County to launch several key infrastructure projects, including:
- Kamuwongo–Kandwia Road in Mwingi North
- Kwa-Siku–Migwani–Mbondoni Road in Mwingi West
- Ikutha–Mutha Road in Kitui South
- Chuluni–Zombe–Mwitika Road in Kitui East
- And the commissioning of the KSh800 million Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui Central
Ruto will then visit Machakos County on Friday, November 14, to launch the Kangundo–Mwala Road, Kivandini–Miselele Road, and inspect affordable housing projects in Machakos Township.
His tour will conclude on Saturday, November 15, with a Ukambani leaders’ consultative meeting, the venue of which is yet to be confirmed.
