President William Ruto has posthumously conferred the late former prime minister Raila Odinga the Chief of the Order of Golden Heart (C.G.H), Kenya’s highest state award.
President Ruto made the announcement in his Mashujaa Day speech on Monday, October 20, at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County.
In a subsequent gazette notice seen by TUKIO.co.ke announcing and qualifying the conferment, President Ruto noted that Raila dedicated the entirety of his adult life to the pursuit of justice, freedom and the equitable development of Kenya and advancement of her people.
"Throughout his life, whether in government or outside of it, Raila exemplified courage, endurance, dedication, an unwavering commitment to the ideals of democracy and good governance, sacrifice, Pan-Africanism and faithful service to all of humanity," said Ruto.The head of state said the former ODM leader leaves behind a towering legacy that will forever endure in the hearts and minds of all, while serving as an inspiration to the present generations of Kenyans and Africans and those yet to be born.
Thanks to Raila’s extraordinary contribution, shining legacy, and the bottomless debt of gratitude owed to him, President Ruto said he is honoured to act under the authority of the Public Seal of the Republic to inscribe his name among the foremost of our national heroes.
In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 132 (4) (c) of the Constitution, President Ruto then posthumously conferred Raila with the award which is in most cases awarded to presidents.
