On Monday, 20th October 2025, Kenya celebrated its annual Mashujaa Day at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County. The celebrations came a day after the burial of the fallen hero,the former country’s prime minister, the late Hon Raila Odinga.
On this day, President William Ruto delivered an address that blended tribute, reflection and challenge. He paid honor to the late Raila Amolo Odinga, describing him as “a towering patriot and a hero for the ages” and declaring that the nation, through its highest office, was formally recognising his legacy.
Ruto emphasised key themes of unity, service and enduring democracy. He reminded citizens that leadership is not about wielding power but about service; that no disagreement is greater than national unity, and that no personal ambition should exceed the welfare of the country.
He recalled how Raila had stood not only in government but in opposition, showing courage and endurance in the face of adversity,qualities the President said should now live on in the people of Kenya.
His words carried the weight of history and the promise of a nation remembering its champions. “On behalf of a grateful nation, and through the authority vested in me as President,” he announced, “I have today posthumously conferred upon the Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga the highest honour of the Republic, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (C.G.H.).”
The gazette notice issued a few days ago lays out the reasoning that Odinga’s life was marked by ‘courage, endurance, dedication, an unwavering commitment to the ideals of democracy and good governance, sacrifice, Pan-Africanism and faithful service to all of humanity.’ In granting the award under the public seal of the Republic, the President declared that Odinga’s name was being inscribed “among the foremost of our heroes.”
As the ceremony folded into the wider Mashujaa Day celebrations, the moment held deep symbolic weight. A nation honouring one of its most influential statesmen. One whose political life spanned opposition and government, struggle and achievement. The moment signaled recognition, it suggested reconciliation and drew unity under a shared national symbol.
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