President William Ruto has posthumously conferred the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (C.G.H.) on the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, recognizing his immense contributions to the nation’s democracy, unity, and development.
The honour, announced in a gazette notice dated October 20, 2025, was officially presented during the Mashujaa Day celebrations held in Nairobi. President Ruto described Odinga as “a statesman of rare moral courage, a visionary patriot, a unifier of the people, and a champion of justice.”
“In testimony whereof, and on behalf of an eternally grateful nation, I, William Samoei Ruto, PhD, C.G.H., President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 132(4)(c) of the Constitution, posthumously confer upon Rt Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya, First Class,” the notice read.
The Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart is the highest national honour, reserved for individuals who have shown exceptional leadership and service to the country. Past recipients include heads of state and prominent national figures.
Raila Odinga’s recognition follows his passing on October 15, 2025, and his state funeral held in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County. He was laid to rest beside his father, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
Throughout his political career, Odinga was a towering figure in Kenya’s democratic evolution. He served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and was instrumental in the 2008 power-sharing agreement that restored peace after the post-election crisis.
In his Mashujaa Day address, President Ruto commended Odinga’s lifelong dedication to unity and justice, noting that despite political rivalry, his legacy would continue to inspire generations of Kenyans.
Raila now joins a distinguished list of Kenyans accorded state funerals, including Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel arap Moi, and Mwai Kibaki.
