Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed brings the spirit of Adwa to Kenya’s Mashujaa Day

Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed brings the spirit of Adwa to Kenya’s Mashujaa Day - Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President William Ruto during the 63rd Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium, Uasin Gishu County, on October 20, 2026. (Photo: PCS)

PM Abiy drew a striking parallel between Ethiopia’s historic 1896 victory at Adwa - where Ethiopian forces defeated the Italian army and Kenya’s own brutal anti-colonial struggle.

Ethiopian Prime Minister (PM) Abiy Ahmed headlined Kenya’s Mashujaa Day celebrations in Eldoret on Tuesday, delivering a powerful address that fused the histories of two nations into a single, pan-African narrative of resistance and shared prosperity.

Standing alongside President William Ruto before a crowd of dignitaries and citizens, Abiy drew a striking parallel between Ethiopia’s historic 1896 victory at Adwa - where Ethiopian forces defeated the Italian army and Kenya’s own brutal anti-colonial struggle.

"I bring warm greetings and friendship from the people of Ethiopia," Abiy told the gathering, noting that Ethiopians find a true home in Kenya.

He invoked the memory of Kenya's founding father, Jomo Kenyatta, referencing his 1952 arrest and imprisonment by colonial rulers. "Kenya honours those who fought for freedom," he said.

He tied the two histories together: "At Adwa, in 1896, Ethiopians stood together and came from every corner of the country to defend their motherland."

Abiy did not dwell solely in the past. He moved quickly to the modern, practical realities of the Kenya-Ethiopia relationship, celebrating the deep economic integration already underway.

Latest Stories

  • Ruto defends economic record at Mashujaa Day, dares opposition to offer alternatives
  • Citizen TV journalist Francis Odee freed after arrest during fuel price hike protests
  • PAYE relief, cheaper phones, more jobs: Ruto woos Kenyans with plan to ease living costs
  • UN Security Council moves to stop online recruitment of child soldiers

"Our partnership grows through our businesses," Abiy noted. He specifically praised Safaricom's expansion into the Ethiopian market. "Today, Safaricom connects millions of Ethiopians, and M-Pesa helps people send money and make payments."

President William Ruto and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ahead of the 63rd Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium, Uasin Gishu County, on October 20, 2026. (Photo: PCS)

The presence of the Ethiopian leader in Eldoret also brought a personal touch. “Here in Kenya, we feel at home. We are among friends and family. I thank you, Mr President, and the people of Eldoret for your generous hospitality."

While the speeches were warm, the diplomatic backdrop remains complex.

Abiy’s presence in Nairobi is a vital lifeline for Addis Ababa. Ethiopia is currently navigating severe regional isolation - from severed diplomatic ties with Eritrea to hostile regional alliances in the Horn of Africa and ongoing internal conflicts.

By hosting Abiy as the chief guest, President Ruto is making a calculated foreign policy statement. Kenya is leveraging its position as a regional anchor to keep Ethiopia engaged, ensuring that channels of communication remain open even as the region fractures.

Abiy’s speech was a reminder that Africa's liberation was not a gift, but a hard-won prize.

"History made us brothers; our choices must make us partners in shared prosperity. African freedom was not given; it was won by people who would not give up their dignity," he said. "Freedom is a trust. We pass it to the next generation, and we must turn it into opportunity for every citizen."