Heroes’ Day

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Lesson Transcript

Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in Kenya Series at SwahiliPod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Kenyan holidays and observances. I’m Eric, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 12, Heroes’ Day. In Swahili, it’s called Sikukuu ya mashujaa.

Heroes' Day is celebrated on October 20 every year and is a public holiday. It commemorates and celebrates heroes, or mashujaa, who fought against colonists until Kenya finally attained its independence.

This lesson will highlight how Kenyans celebrate this day.

Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question-

What was this day previously called?

If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening.

Celebrations for Heroes' Day take place at the Nyayo National Stadium and in the main centers in each county. At the Nyayo National Stadium, the president is received by the chief of staff, followed by an interdenominational service. Prayers are led by a bishop, imam, and a traditional priest.

The government also invites the MAU MAU veterans, or wakongwe wa MauMau, a group of people who continued the struggle for independence. Like most other national holidays, the president gives a speech about the problems Kenya faces and how the Kenyan people should move forward. Many citizens attend the event at the Nyayo National Stadium or Ukumbi wa kitaifa wa Nyayo. Some follow the proceedings on TV.

After the celebration ends in the afternoon, people relax by drinking and eating roast meat, or nyamachoma. Many people also enjoy meeting with their friends and relatives in their homes, eating at restaurants, or going out for picnics.

Now it's time to answer our quiz question-

What was this day previously called?

This day was known as Kenyatta Day, or Sikukuu ya Kenyatta, before the adoption of the new constitution in 2010. Kenyatta Day was in remembrance of the six freedom fighters Jomo Kenyatta, Fred Kubai, Bildad Kaggia, Achieng Oneko, Paul Ngei and Kung’u Karumba who were detained in Kapenguria prison or Jela ya Kapenguria. Each was detained for seven years. Today, this Day commemorates the six heroes and others who contributed to attaining Kenya’s independence.