President William Ruto has today awarded the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga the Chief of the order of the Golden Heart of Kenya.

The Head of State made the pronouncement when he led the nation in marking the Mashujaa Day celebrations on Monday October 20, 2025, at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County.

“On behalf of a grateful nation I have today posthumously conferred upon Raila Odinga the highest honour of the republic; the Chief of the order of the Golden Heart of Kenya,” Ruto announced.

He described the former Premier as a hero and a patriot who selflessly served the nation with unwavering dedication and putting the interests of the people above his own.

President Ruto further urged Kenyans to leave by the values Odinga stood for as a way of honouring his legacy.

“The Government and people of Kenya inscribe Hon Raila Odinga’s name among the foremost of our heroes, under the public seal of the Republic,” said Ruto.

“But if we, the people he so deeply loved and served, choose to live by the lessons he taught us; to love Kenya more than we love ourselves; to put unity above division; to aspire for greater, and to serve with courage and conviction, then we can become a great nation of 50 million heroes,” the president added.

President Ruto’s declaration was confirmed by a gazette notice dated 20th October 2025, highlighting Raila Odinga’s contribution to the country’s democracy and good governance.

The conferment of the First Class C.G.H honours comes a day after the burial of Raila Odinga at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County.

Odinga died on Wednesday October 15, while undergoing treatment in Kerala, India.