President William Ruto on Monday led the nation in commemorating Mashujaa Day with a heartfelt tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, whom he described as a “towering statesman, an irrepressible giant, and a true hero of the Republic of Kenya.”
Speaking at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County, President Ruto dedicated this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations to Odinga, who was laid to rest in Bondo on Sunday. He highlighted Odinga’s sacrifices, patriotism, and significant contributions to Kenya’s democratic journey.
“This is the man, the legend, the pan-Africanist to whom we dedicate this Mashujaa Day,” the President said, inviting the nation to observe a moment of silence in his honor.
Ruto acknowledged that the country is emerging from “a week of profound sorrow” and continues to observe seven days of national mourning, making it fitting to anchor this year’s celebrations in honor of Raila.
The President reiterated that the late ODM leader embodied the spirit of heroism, sacrifice, and devotion to the nation.
During the ceremony, Ruto outlined five key lessons that the country can draw from Odinga’s life and leadership. He stated that the greatest lesson Raila imparted to leaders is that personal ambition should never surpass national unity or peace. He noted that Odinga’s political career was defined by his commitment to preserving Kenya’s stability above all else.
“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,” President Ruto said.
He praised Odinga’s willingness to collaborate with rivals, including their own political truce, to stabilize Kenya instead of allowing it to descend into chaos. Ruto recalled how Raila emphasized this message earlier this year during a Cabinet retreat, urging members of the Executive to ensure that Kenya remains a stable and secure nation.
“He reminded us that we may hold lofty visions and great ambitions, that we may dream big, daring dreams, but without a country and a stable political environment, they would remain mere wishes,” the President said, reflecting on Raila’s belief that an imperfect nation striving for perfection is far better than one consumed by chaos and anarchy.
“This is the critical lesson that those who criticised and faulted Baba for working with me to stabilise the nation forget, or refuse to acknowledge, or they just simply don’t care. When some saw the opportunity to bring down their competitors, even if it meant bringing down the country, Baba chose the stability of Kenya,” the President asserted.
At the same time, Ruto acknowledged Odinga’s unwavering devotion to Kenya, even amidst imprisonment, persecution, and political loss.
“He once told us 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 noted, calling it a testament to Raila’s enduring love for the nation.
“He knew that Kenya, like all nations, was not perfect; that nation building was a work in progress, that is only renewed with every generation,” Ruto added.
Ruto praised Raila as a strong advocate for national unity, citing his decision to join a broad-based government to ease political tensions and support national recovery at the height of anti-government protests in June 2024.
“I reached out across the political divide, and Baba was the first to come to the table to help steady the ship of state, leading to the formation of a broad-based government that has since stabilized the economy and the nation,” the President said. “That is what heroes do: When the stakes are high, they rise above partisanship and put the country first.”
Recalling the 2022 election campaigns, Ruto reflected on Raila’s words that he said will resonate through generations: “I have been to the mountaintop; I have seen the glory land. I may not get there with you, but together you will get there.”
“In those words lies the essence of his leadership: selfless, visionary, and anchored in faith that Kenya’s destiny transcends any one individual. He reminded us that collaboration, even with rivals, is not an act of political convenience, but a sacred pact with posterity,” the President remarked.
Ruto also praised Raila as a leading advocate for national unity, recalling his historic “Kibaki Tosha” declaration in 2002 as evidence of his vision for Kenya beyond tribal and regional lines.
“It was because he was unaware of where President Mwai Kibaki came from; it was because he saw beyond geography and ethnicity; he saw Kenya as one united nation under God,” said Ruto.
He cautioned that it would be “a desecration of his legacy” to allow division by sectarian interests, peddlers of hate, or the “see-nothing-good-about-Kenya” mentality.
Lastly, Ruto described Raila as an eternal optimist who, through trials, setbacks, and triumphs, believed that Kenya’s best days were still ahead.
He recounted how the former PM endured imprisonment, persecution, and political defeat without succumbing to bitterness or hopelessness.
“His optimism wasn’t anchored on naïvety; it was courage in motion. His life was a constant reminder that no setback is final, no dream too distant, and no obstacle insurmountable for a people determined and united by purpose,” the President noted.
President Ruto revealed that in the final months of Raila’s life, they engaged in deeply personal conversations about Kenya’s development.
“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.
