Ruto Honors Raila Odinga With Heartfelt Birthday Message

President William Ruto has celebrated former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who would have been celebrating his 81st birthday today, January 7, 2025.

In a statement, Ruto described Raila as a patriot whose life was defined by courage, sacrifice, and an unyielding love for Kenya.

“Today, January 7, we mark what would have been the 81st birthday of the Right Honourable Raila Odinga, a patriot whose life was defined by courage, sacrifice, and an unyielding love for Kenya,” Ruto said.

Ruto Draws Lessons from Raila

He stated that Raila taught Kenyans that the nation must always come before personal interests, that no ambition outweighs unity, and that no achievement is more important than peace.

“Baba taught us, time and again, that the country must always come before self, that no ambition is greater than our unity, and no victory more important than our peace,” he said.

Also Read: Odinga Family Thanks Ruto, World Leaders & Kenyans on Late Raila’s Birthday

Ruto said Raila believed deeply in Kenya and never lost faith that the country’s best days lie ahead.

He added that, whether in struggle or reconciliation, Raila chose stability over chaos, unity over division, and hope over despair.

“He believed deeply in Kenya and never lost faith that our best days lie ahead. Whether in struggle or reconciliation, he chose stability over chaos, unity over division, and hope over despair,” Ruto said.

Also Read: Raila’s Silence Is a Test and Kenya Is Being Watched

Celebrating the Former Prime Minister

Ruto said we celebrate not just the man but the enduring lessons he left behind.

He emphasized that Raila’s lessons remind Kenyans to close ranks for the common good, rise above partisanship, and keep faith in the Kenyan dream.

“As we remember him on his birthday, we celebrate not just the man but the enduring lessons he left us: To close ranks for the common good, to rise above partisanship, and to keep faith in the Kenyan dream,” he added.

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President William Ruto consults with ODM party leader Oburu Oginga during the ODM’S Founders Dinner in Mombasa. PHOTO/ODM.