President William Ruto Speaking during the Mashujaa Day Celebrations at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County. Photo by PCS. 
By Andrew Mbuva
President William Ruto on Monday led Kenyans in celebrating Mashujaa Day at Ithookwe Stadium, Kitui County, with a moving tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga — conferring on him the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (C.G.H.), the nation’s highest honour.
In a heartfelt speech dedicated to the memory of the veteran opposition leader, President Ruto hailed Raila as “a singular spirit, a towering patriot, and a hero for the ages.”
“On behalf of a grateful nation, and through the authority vested in me as President, 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,” Ruto said, as the crowd erupted in applause.
The Head of State said it was only fitting that this year’s Mashujaa Day be dedicated to Raila, describing him as “a resolute patriot and a quintessential hero who loved Kenya more than he loved himself.”
Ruto led the nation in observing a moment of silence in honour of Raila’s life and service, noting that his legacy of unity, courage, and sacrifice would forever inspire generations.
“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 said. “He loved Kenya more than he loved Raila Amolo Odinga.”
The President revealed that in his final months, Raila spoke passionately about the pace of Kenya’s development, wondering why nations like Singapore and South Korea — once on par with Kenya — had surged ahead.
According to Ruto, they shared the belief that Kenya could achieve first-world status through visionary and selfless leadership that focused on future generations rather than the next election.
In a symbolic gesture of reconciliation and respect, Ruto urged Kenyans to live by the values that defined Raila’s life — patriotism, unity, and hope.
“If we live by the lessons he taught us — to love Kenya more than we love ourselves, to put unity above division, and to serve with courage — then we can become a great nation of 50 million heroes,” he said.
The day’s celebrations featured colourful cultural performances and military displays, but the highlight remained the conferment of the Golden Heart Award — an honour marking Raila’s place among Kenya’s greatest heroes.
President Ruto concluded his tribute with words that captured the nation’s collective sentiment:
“There will forever be only one Raila Amolo Odinga — a hero for the ages. His legacy will continue to light Kenya’s path toward a more perfect union.”
