President William Ruto on Monday – 20th October 2025 led Kenyans in commemorating this year’s Mashujaa Day with an emotional tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, describing him as “a towering statesman, an irrepressible giant, and a true hero of the Republic of Kenya.” The celebrations, held at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County, were dedicated to Odinga, who was laid to rest in Bondo on Sunday. The President praised Raila’s lifelong patriotism, resilience, and his unwavering fight for democracy and justice in Kenya.
Ruto began his address by inviting the nation to observe a moment of silence in honor of the departed leader, acknowledging that the country was emerging from “a week of profound sorrow.” He said it was fitting to dedicate this year’s Mashujaa Day to Raila Odinga, whose sacrifices and reformist spirit embodied the very essence of heroism. The President noted that Odinga’s life was a chronicle of courage, conviction, and commitment to Kenya’s unity and progress.
During the ceremony, President Ruto outlined five enduring lessons drawn from Raila’s life and leadership — putting the country first, unity, resilience, sacrifice, and optimism. He said the greatest of these was Raila’s belief that personal ambition should never override national unity. “Time and again, he reminded us that no disagreement is greater than our unity, no ambition more important than our peace, and no personal interest higher than the welfare of our nation,” Ruto remarked.
The President reflected on Raila’s willingness to work with political rivals, including their own 2025 reconciliation, which he credited with stabilizing the nation. Ruto recalled that Raila had often told leaders that dreams and ambitions are meaningless without peace and a stable country. “Those who faulted Baba for working with me to stabilize the nation forget that when others saw opportunities to destroy their opponents, he chose to protect Kenya,” Ruto stated.
Ruto hailed Odinga as a patriot who remained steadfast in his love for Kenya even in the face of imprisonment, persecution, and political defeat. “He once said that if he were to die and God asked where he would wish to be born again, he would say without hesitation: ‘Take me back to Kenya,’” Ruto recalled, describing it as a testament to Raila’s unshakeable devotion to his homeland.
The President further celebrated Raila as an eternal optimist who, through decades of triumph and tragedy, believed that Kenya’s best days were still ahead. He cited Odinga’s historic gestures, such as the “Kibaki Tosha” declaration in 2002 and his decision to join a unity government in 2024, as proof of his commitment to national reconciliation and progress. “When the stakes were high, he rose above politics and put the country first. That is what true heroes do,” Ruto said.
In closing, President Ruto shared that in the final months of Odinga’s life, the two engaged in candid conversations about Kenya’s development and future. “For Baba, it was never about him becoming president. It was about Kenya having a good president and moving from third world to first world,” Ruto said. As the nation observed Mashujaa Day, the President urged Kenyans to honor Raila’s memory by upholding his values of unity, patriotism, and resilience — the enduring legacy of a man whose vision will guide generations to come.
