President William Ruto, on Mashujaa Day, honored the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga with Kenya’s highest national award, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart.

He said the recognition celebrates Raila Odinga’s extraordinary contribution and enduring legacy.

Ruto added that the government and the people of Kenya have inscribed Odinga’s name among the foremost national heroes under the public seal of the Republic of Kenya.

The president emphasized that the award reflects the nation’s gratitude for Raila Odinga’s service and dedication to the country.

“On this Mashujaa Day, in recognition of his extraordinary contribution and enduring legacy, the government and the people of Kenya inscribe Raila Odinga’s name among the foremost of our heroes under the public seal of the Republic of Kenya. On behalf of our grateful nation and through the authority vested in me as President ,I have today conferred upon Rt Hon. Raila Odinga the highest honour of the republic, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart,” Ruto said.

Ruto affirmed that no leader will get to the level of Raila Odinga in the history of Kenya.

However, he asked leaders and the citizens to follow the teachings of Raila by advocating for unity, loving the nation, and inspiring a greater country.

“The truth is, there will forever be only one Raila Odinga. A single spirit, a towering patriot, and a hero for ages. But if we, the people he loved and served, choose to live by the lessons he has taught us. To love Kenya more than we love ourselves; to put unity above division; to inspire for greater and to serve with courage and conviction, then we become a great nation of 50 million heroes,” Ruto said.

Also Read: Winnie Odinga Hints at Taking Over Raila’s Political Baton

Raila Chose the Nation Over the Presidency

Ruto thanked Raila for helping him stabilize the government after the anti-finance bill protests.

He stated that some of his political competitors saw the opportunity to bring him down, but Raila chose the stability of the country.

Also Read: MP Millie Odhiambo Mourns Relative Who Died While Watching Raila Odinga’s Burial

Ruto said Raila was not focused on becoming President but on ensuring that Kenya has a good president.

“When some saw the opportunity to bring down their competitors, even if it meant bringing down the country, Baba chose the stability of Kenya. For Raila, the specter of failure was too grave to contemplate. He understood that leadership is not about personal pride but about preserving the republic. For Raila, it was never about him becoming President; it was about Kenya having a good President,” he added.

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A photo collage of late former Prime Minister Raila and the casket carrying his remains before his burial on October 19, 2025. PHOTO/Raila X.