The late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has been posthumously awarded the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H) Kenya’s highest national honour in recognition of his decades-long dedication to democracy, justice, and national unity.
President William Ruto conferred the award during the Mashujaa Day celebrations held at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County on Monday.
Highlights
- Raila Odinga posthumously honoured with the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H).
- President William Ruto described him as “a towering patriot and hero for the ages.”
- The honour recognises Raila’s courage, Pan-Africanism, and commitment to democracy.
- Award comes a day after his burial in Bondo, Siaya County.
- Raila’s name officially inscribed among Kenya’s foremost heroes.
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A Nation’s Highest Honour
In a gazette notice dated October 20, 2025, the Government of Kenya confirmed the conferment of the First Class Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H) to Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga.
The award traditionally reserved for heads of state and exceptional national figures cements Raila’s place among Kenya’s most revered heroes.
The notice cited Raila’s “exemplified courage, endurance, dedication, unwavering commitment to the ideals of democracy and good governance, sacrifice, Pan-Africanism, and faithful service to all of humanity.”
President Ruto’s Moving Tribute
During his Mashujaa Day address, President Ruto paid glowing tribute to the former Prime Minister, lauding his lifelong contribution to Kenya’s political transformation and nation-building efforts.
“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 the President.
Ruto further described Raila as “a towering patriot and hero for the ages”, calling on Kenyans to live by the principles that defined Odinga’s public life.
“If we, the people he so deeply loved and served, choose to live by the lessons he taught us to love Kenya more than ourselves, to put unity above division, and to serve with courage and conviction then we can become a great nation of 50 million heroes,” he added.
Legacy Beyond Politics
The posthumous honour follows Raila’s state burial at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, where he was laid to rest beside his parents.
Raila passed away on October 15, 2025, while undergoing treatment at Devamatha Hospital in Kerala, India.
His body was flown back to Kenya on October 16 and received full state honours, culminating in a national funeral service at Nyayo Stadium attended by local and international dignitaries.
The C.G.H honour now immortalises his contribution to Kenya’s democracy and his role as a unifying figure across generations.
Read Also
- Mashujaa Day 2025: Kenya Marks Heroes’ Day with Tribute to Raila Odinga
- Barack Obama: “Raila Was a True Champion of Democracy”
- Winnie Odinga: “Baba Died Strong, With Dignity and Pride”
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As the nation celebrates its heroes, Raila Odinga’s legacy now stands officially etched in gold — a symbol of courage, conviction, and undying love for Kenya.
