President William Ruto has lauded the late Raila Odinga for his selfless leadership and commitment to national unity during times of political turmoil. Speaking during the 2025 Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kitui on Monday, Ruto described Odinga as a “towering patriot” who consistently put Kenya’s interests before personal ambition.
Ruto noted that in 2024, when the country faced intense political instability, Odinga demonstrated exceptional statesmanship by agreeing to work with the government to stabilize the nation.
“He understood that leadership is not about personal pride, but about preserving the Republic; not about victory in politics, but about preserving the stability of Kenya,” Ruto said.
The President criticized those who faulted Odinga for cooperating with him, emphasizing that the late leader was guided by a desire to protect the country from chaos.
“This is the critical lesson that those who criticised and faulted Baba for working with me to stabilise the nation forget. When some saw the opportunity to bring down their competitors, even if it meant bringing down the country, Baba chose the stability of Kenya,” he remarked.
Ruto further urged other leaders to emulate Odinga’s example of unity and peacebuilding. He recalled that Odinga was instrumental in forming a broad-based government that helped steer Kenya’s economy and political landscape back to stability.
In a gesture of national recognition, President Ruto posthumously awarded Raila Odinga the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H) — Kenya’s highest national honour — for his lifelong dedication to democracy and Pan-Africanism.
“The truth is that there will forever be only one Raila Amolo Odinga: a singular spirit, a hero for the ages,” Ruto concluded.
