The Late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga posthumously awarded the highest order of the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (C.G.H.) in the country during Mashujaa Day

The award was also officially announced by Ruto when he led celebrations to mark the day in Kitui county, held just five days after Odinga’s passing on October 15.

“In his honour, we confer upon him Kenya’s highest civilian award, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.), First Class. This distinction secures Mr Odinga’s place among the foremost of our national heroes, a legacy that will inspire generations”, he said.

It was also gazetted in a notice dated October 20, 2025, which coincided with the national holiday. President Ruto hailed the ODM party leader as one of the principal architects of Kenya’s modern democratic order. He however regretted that Kenya, Africa, and the World had lost a Statesman of rare moral courage, a visionary patriot, a unifier of the people and a champion of justice.

“ His name will forever be etched in the annals of our Republic; and whereas, the unprecedented outpouring of grief across the nation and beyond our borders stands as a testament to his enduring influence, his extraordinary service, and the profound affection in which he is held by a grateful municipal, regional, continental and global community”, he said.