Ruto Awards Raila Kenya’s Highest Civilian Honour After His Death
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has been posthumously honoured with Kenya’s highest civilian award — the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.) — just days after his passing.
In a special gazette notice dated October 20, 2025, President William Ruto officially conferred the prestigious title on Raila, describing him as “a statesman of rare moral courage, a visionary patriot, a unifier of the people and a champion of justice.” The announcement was also made publicly during this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations, which came only five days after Raila’s death on October 15.
Quoting his constitutional powers under Article 132(4)(c), President Ruto wrote:
“In testimony whereof, and on behalf of an eternally grateful nation, I, William Samoei Ruto, PhD, C.G.H., President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces… posthumously confer upon Rt Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya, First Class – Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (C.G.H.).”
What the Award Means
The Order of the Golden Heart is the most prestigious honour given by the President to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Kenya in areas such as leadership, national unity, development, and public service.
The highest rank within this award is the Chief of the Order (C.G.H.), a title strictly reserved for heads of state, high-ranking public figures, and individuals who have gone above and beyond in serving the country.
Many Kenyans believe Raila fully deserved the recognition, given his long political journey and influence. Over the years, he became one of the most significant leaders in the country’s history.
He served as Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013 and vied for the presidency five times. His leadership was crucial during the 2008 power-sharing deal that ended the deadly post-election violence after the 2007 polls.
Ruto’s Tribute to His Former Rival
In his Mashujaa Day speech, President Ruto praised Raila’s unwavering dedication to the nation. He acknowledged that despite political rivalry, Raila had played a major role in pushing the country towards unity and peace.
True to his word, President Ruto has continued to show respect to Raila even after his death. Apart from the award, he also granted him a full state funeral — an honour very few Kenyans have ever received.
A Final Farewell
Raila was laid to rest on Sunday in an emotional ceremony at his rural home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County. He was buried beside his father, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, another towering figure in Kenya’s political history.
With this recognition, Raila now joins an elite list of national heroes who have been accorded state funerals. Others include:
- Mzee Jomo Kenyatta (1978)
- Michael Kijana Wamalwa (2003)
- Wangari Maathai (2011)
- Lucy Kibaki (2016)
- Daniel Arap Moi (2020)
- Mwai Kibaki (2022)
Raila Odinga may be gone, but his legacy continues to live on — now officially sealed in Kenya’s history books with the country’s highest civilian honour.
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