Tributes to former prime minister Raila Odinga dominated President William Ruto’s Mashujaa Day celebrations speech.
The fete held on Monday, October 20, at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County, came just a day after the former ODM leader was laid to rest at his father’s home in Siaya.
In his speech, President Ruto spoke highly of Raila, listing several traits that defined him in and out of his political career. He listed several lessons that Kenyans should learn from the former premier and keep his legacy alive.
First, the head of state said Raila championed keeping the interests of the country ahead of one’s self.
"Time and again, Raila 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," said President Ruto.
Secondly, the president pointed out Raila’s love for Kenya.
"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. Such was the depth of his devotion to our beloved 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," said President Ruto.To Raila, President Ruto said, there was no place on earth more worthy of devotion, no people more deserving of faith, and no dream more noble than the Kenyan dream.
Thirdly, Raila’s life was an example of always closing ranks for the common good, the president noted.
For example, during the heated Gen Z demos, President Ruto said he reached out to Raila, leading to the formation of the broad-based government that has since stabilised the economy and the nation.
Further, the fallen statesman was a foremost preacher of national unity.
He tirelessly reminded leaders and citizens alike that our overarching identity is not defined by tribe, region, or creed, but by the sacred bond of being Kenyan, Ruto noted.
The fifth lesson from the former ODM leader’s life is one of unshakeable faith in the future.
He was a dyed-in-the-wool eternal optimist. Through every trial, setback, and triumph, the Right Honourable Raila Odinga believed that Kenya’s best days were still ahead.
Raila endured prison, persecution, and political defeat, yet never surrendered to bitterness or gave in to 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," said President Ruto.
