Kakamega deputy governor Ayub Savula addressing mourners during the burial service for the late Tobbena Mulanda at Lugari village on Sunday/IMAGE /HILTON OTENYOKakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula has proposed that the government take over and maintain the burial site of the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as a national heroes’ heritage site in his honour.
Savula said Raila’s stature and global influence warrant national preservation of his final resting place, describing him as “a world leader” whose legacy transcended Kenya’s borders.
He noted that Raila was the only Kenyan leader accorded two separate military salutes—first by the Indian military and later by the Kenyan military, which conducted his state burial at Kang’o ka Jaramogi.
“Raila did not die as a Kenyan leader but as a world leader. He is our only leader who was saluted by military personnel from two countries. Even past presidents — Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki — were only saluted by the Kenyan military,” Savula said.
During this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui county, President William Ruto posthumously conferred on Raila the country’s highest honour — Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart — in recognition of his extraordinary contribution and enduring legacy.
The Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya is reserved for individuals who have rendered the most distinguished service to the nation and is rarely awarded. Past recipients include heads of state and exceptional figures who have shaped Kenya’s destiny.
The conferment underscored Raila’s role not only as a national leader but as a continental statesman whose voice resonated across Africa’s struggles for democracy and integration.
By bestowing the honour posthumously, the government symbolically cemented his place among Kenya’s pantheon of heroes celebrated on Mashujaa Day.
“Throughout his life, whether in government or outside of it, Raila exemplified courage, endurance, dedication and an unwavering commitment to the ideals of democracy, good governance, sacrifice, Pan-Africanism and faithful service to all humanity,” the gazette notice stated.
Savula urged Kenyans to honour Raila’s memory by ensuring the full realisation of the democratic ideals he fought for.
He also took issue with impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of disrespect for failing to attend Raila’s funeral or sign the condolence book.
“A statesman like Raila cannot die, and a leader of Gachagua’s stature fails to even sign a condolences book. You cannot hate a person even in death. He should break his silence and tell us what it is that Raila did to him that he couldn’t stand seeing him even in death,” Savula said.
He added that Kenya needs leaders who can unite the country, not tribal chauvinists who preach division.
