President William Ruto on Monday delivered an emotional tribute to the late Raila Odinga, using his Mashujaa Day address to highlight the enduring leadership lessons and values the late former Prime Minister embodied throughout his public life.
Speaking at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County, Ruto described Raila as “a towering patriot, resolute statesman and a quintessential hero”, dedicating the 2025 Mashujaa Day celebrations to his memory.
"Yesterday we bid farewell to one of our country’s most consequential and impactful sons,” Ruto said.
“This is the man, the legend, the Pan-Africanist, to whom we dedicate this Mashujaa Day.”
The President invited the crowd to observe a moment of silence in honour of Raila, whose death last week plunged the nation into mourning.
Ruto said Raila’s political journey was defined by courage, selflessness and a deep love for the country.
He noted that Raila consistently demonstrated that leadership was about service, not self-interest.
“Time and again, he reminded us that no disagreement is greater than our unity, no ambition more important than our peace, and no personal interest higher than the welfare of our nation,” Ruto said.
Ruto said Raila’s lifelong commitment to justice, peace and the rule of law had defined his public life and inspired generations.
“Raila Odinga aspired and laboured for a Kenya that is free, fair, governed by the rule of law, and filled with limitless opportunity for all,” he said.
The President recounted Raila’s lessons on leadership and patriotism, highlighting his ability to place the nation above personal ambition.
He said Raila’s decision to work with political rivals at crucial moments, including after the 2017 elections, has driven by a selfless desire to preserve the country’s stability.
The Head of State recalled that when critics questioned Raila’s decision to cooperate with rival leaders, he did so because he believed in national cohesion above politics.
“When some saw the opportunity to bring down their competitors, even if it meant bringing down the country, Baba chose the stability of Kenya,” Ruto said.
"He understood that leadership is not about personal pride but about preserving the Republic.”
Ruto noted that Raila’s devotion to Kenya was deep and unconditional, recalling that he once said if given the chance to live again, he would still choose to be born in Kenya.
“Such was the depth of his love for our country. He knew we are imperfect but always striving toward a more perfect union,” the President said.
He also remembered Raila’s historic “Kibaki Tosha” declaration in 2002, saying it exemplified unity over tribal politics and set a standard for future generations.
Ruto also remembered Raila’s optimism and resilience through decades of political struggle, noting that despite imprisonment and defeat, he never gave in to bitterness.
“He endured persecution and political loss, yet never surrendered to hopelessness. His optimism was courage in motion,” Ruto said.
“He believed Kenya’s best days were still ahead.”
The President recounted private conversations with Raila in recent months, saying they often discussed how Kenya could accelerate progress toward first-world status.
“He would wonder why nations like South Korea or Singapore, which were once at par with Kenya, have advanced so rapidly,” Ruto said.
“We agreed that true development requires leadership focused not on the next election, but on the next generation.”
In recognition of his lifelong service, Ruto announced that Raila had been posthumously awarded the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (CGH.), Kenya’s highest civilian honour.
“On behalf of a grateful nation, I have today conferred upon the Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga the highest honour of the Republic,” Ruto said.
He urged Kenyans to carry forward Raila’s spirit of unity, courage and national pride.
“There will forever be only one Raila Amolo Odinga,” Ruto said.
"But if we live by his lessons, to love Kenya more than ourselves, we can become a great nation of 50 million heroes.”
