President William Ruto has praised the late Raila Odinga for his lifelong commitment to peace, unity, and stability, echoing the former Prime Minister’s belief that national harmony must always come before politics and personal ambition.
Speaking at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County during the Mashujaa Day celebrations on Monday, October 20, 2025, Ruto reflected on Raila’s enduring message that an imperfect but peaceful nation is far better than one consumed by conflict and division.
“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,” President Ruto said.
He lauded Raila as a true statesman who understood that the country’s progress depends on unity, tolerance, and dialogue values that transcend political rivalry.
“For Agwambo, the spectre of a failed nation was too grave to contemplate. He reminded us that we may dream big, daring dreams, but without a stable country, they remain bare wishes,” Ruto added.
The President’s remarks came just a day after Raila’s burial in Bondo, Siaya County, where national leaders, dignitaries, and thousands of Kenyans gathered to pay their final respects to the opposition icon.
Ruto urged Kenyans to honour Raila’s legacy by building bridges of understanding rather than divisions. He emphasised that fostering peace and dialogue would be the greatest tribute to a man who dedicated his life to democracy and justice.
“As we celebrate our heroes today, let us remember that Raila Odinga’s dream was not just for a democratic Kenya, but a united, peaceful, and prosperous one. That is the dream we must all protect,” the President said.
The Mashujaa Day celebrations, held amid a somber national mood, became a reflection on Raila’s lasting impact on Kenya’s political and social fabric.
