President William Ruto has offered a rare glimpse into the private reflections of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Speaking during the Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kitui
County, Ruto revealed that the veteran statesman was deeply frustrated by the
slow pace of Kenya’s development.
The President said Raila—fondly remembered as “Baba”—was a passionate patriot who, even in his final months, remained deeply engaged in conversations about Kenya’s future.
“He would often wonder why nations like South Korea, Singapore, or Malaysia, which were once at par with Kenya just a few decades ago, had leapt forward to first-world status while we still grapple with the basics,” Ruto shared.
The President recounted intimate discussions with Raila that were marked by both passion and frustration. They often concluded, he said, that the primary catalyst for a country’s advancement lies in its leadership.
“We agreed that real leadership is not about the next election, but about the next generation,” Ruto stated. “It must be bold, visionary, and relentlessly focused on the common good.”
Ruto used the platform to outline his administration’s ambitious roadmap to elevate Kenya to first-world status within a generation.
Key pillars of this vision include food security, value addition and manufacturing and infrastructure development.
The President underscored the need for national unity and inclusivity, noting that meaningful transformation cannot be achieved through partisan efforts.
He revealed that he had consulted across political lines—including retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and various MPs, governors, and grassroots leaders—to craft a holistic national strategy.
“Kenya’s progress must never be a partisan pursuit; it is a national, inclusive mission,” Ruto affirmed.
He further warned about the country’s heavy reliance on food imports—an annual bill exceeding Sh500 billion—which he termed not only economically unsustainable but also a threat to national sovereignty.
“We cannot speak of prosperity while importing basic foodstuffs like maize, wheat, rice, sugar, and edible oils,” he said.
To address this, Ruto announced that the government will prioritise modernising agriculture through irrigation, to bring at least 2 million acres under irrigation.
This will be supported by the construction of 50 mega dams across the country.
The President’s remarks struck a poignant tone, as they not only honoured a fallen statesman but also laid bare the aspirations and unfinished business that Raila held close to his heart.
Raila, who passed away on Wednesday in India, remains a towering figure in Kenya’s political history, known for his steadfast advocacy for democracy, devolution, and social justice.
Raila was laid to rest in a private ceremony at his home in
Kang’o ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County, on October 19, 2025.
