President Ruto awards Raila Odinga Kenya’s highest honour

The honour was conferred by President William Ruto on Monday, as the country marked Mashujaa Day. 

A gazette notice dated October 20, 2025, confirmed the conferment of the First Class C.G.H honour to Raila, recognising him for 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. 

In his address to Kenyans at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui, Ruto recognised Raila for his contribution to nation-building and an enduring 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. 

The Head of State further described the former Prime Minister as a towering patriot and hero for the ages.

“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,” said the President. 

The conferment comes a day after the former Prime Minister was laid to rest at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County. 

Raila died on October 15, 2025, while receiving treatment at Devamatha Hospital in Kerala, India. 

The remains of the former Prime Minister were flown to Kenya on Thursday, October 16, and he was accorded a state funeral.