President William Ruto delivering speech during Mashujaa celebrations at Ithookwa stadium, Kitui on October 20, 2025/PCS
President William Ruto has defended the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga’s decision to work with his government, criticising those who faulted him for prioritising stability over partisan politics.
Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui on Monday, Ruto paid glowing tribute to Raila, describing him as a leader who consistently put the country above personal ambition.
He dismissed critics who questioned Raila’s decision to cooperate with his administration, arguing that such voices either failed to appreciate or simply ignored the importance of national stability.
“Those who criticised and faulted Baba for working with us to stabilise the nation simply forget—or just don’t care—that there are countries in our region that were once stable but later descended into turmoil and disorder,” Ruto said.
The President emphasised that Raila’s choice was informed by a lifelong commitment to safeguarding Kenya’s unity.
According to him, Raila understood that true leadership transcends political rivalry and is anchored on the preservation of the nation.
“For Agwambo, the specter of a failed nation was too grave to contemplate,” Ruto said.
“He understood that leadership is not about personal pride but preserving the public. Not about victory in politics but preserving the nation we love.”
Ruto went on to recount Raila’s counsel during difficult political moments, recalling his emphasis on stability as the foundation of progress.
“Baba reiterated the need to ensure that above all else, Kenya remains a stable and secure nation. He reminded us that we may dream big, daring dreams, but without a country and a stable political environment, they would remain mere wishes. Perhaps more significantly, he told us that an imperfect nation striving for perfection is far better than one consumed by chaos and anarchy,” he said.
The President stressed that Raila’s decision to bridge divides was not a sign of weakness, but a demonstration of statesmanship.
He said Raila had made the deliberate choice to sacrifice personal political advantage in favour of peace and unity, ensuring that Kenya did not follow the destructive path witnessed in other countries.
The President noted that Raila’s critics often overlooked the fact that history would remember him as a stabiliser and nation-builder.
The Mashujaa Day celebrations, which also honoured Kenya’s past heroes, were infused with tributes to Raila’s legacy as one of the country’s foremost freedom fighters, reformers, and statesmen.
Performances, poems, and songs echoed his contributions, while dignitaries from across Africa joined Kenyans in celebrating his life.
