President William Ruto led the nation in honouring the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga during the Mashujaa Day celebrations, describing him as “a patriot for the ages” whose courage, unity, and vision shaped Kenya’s democratic journey and inspired generations.
Speaking during the national celebrations held in Kitui, President Ruto said this year’s Mashujaa Day was “a celebration for reflection and also a day for renewal,” dedicated to one of the country’s most consequential and impactful sons.
“He’s the man, the legend, and the Pan-Africanist whom we dedicate Mashujaa Day to,” Ruto said. “It is for this reason, fellow citizens, that we hold a moment of silence and celebration of his service to our great country, our continent, and to humanity.”
The President hailed Raila’s lifelong devotion to Kenya, describing him as a selfless leader who placed the interests of the nation above personal ambition.
“Raila’s love for Kenya was deep, steadfast, and unconditional,” he said. “He once told us that if God asked him to choose again, without hesitation, he would choose Kenya.”
Ruto noted that Raila’s life exemplified courage, resilience, and hope in the face of adversity, adding that “his final step to optimism wasn’t anger but courage.”
He credited Raila with fostering unity even among rivals, saying, “He reminded us that no disagreement is personal when it comes to the interest of our nation.”
The President also revealed that he had held private and wide-ranging conversations with Raila in the final months of his life, where they shared concerns over Kenya’s slow pace of development and agreed that bold, visionary leadership was essential to unlocking the country’s potential.
“He reminded us that it was never about him becoming president—it was about Kenya becoming a first world country and Kenya moving forward,” Ruto stated.
To honour his legacy, President Ruto posthumously awarded Raila Odinga the Order of the Golden Heart, Kenya’s highest civilian honour, praising him as “a hero whose spirit will guide generations.”
“Raila’s life was a constant reminder that no setback is final, no challenge too great, and no dream too distant,” Ruto concluded. “He was a true son of Kenya—a patriot for the ages.”
