Editor's Review

The honour is in recognition of Raila's extraordinary contributions to the nation.

President William Ruto has conferred the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (C.G.H.) on the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

In a gazette notice dated 20th October, 2025, President Ruto honored the fallen statesman with Kenya's most prestigious national award in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the nation.

The gazette notice outlined the reasons behind the historic conferment, citing Raila's lifelong dedication to justice, democracy, and national unity.

"Whereas, in the passing of the former Prime Minister, Kenya, Africa, and the World have lost a Statesman of rare qualities, a visionary icon, an exemplary patriot of our people and a champion of justice whose name will forever be etched in the annals of our Republic," the notice read.

The document further acknowledged the national and international grief following Raila's death, describing it as a testament to his enduring influence, extraordinary service, and the profound affection in which a grateful nation and regional, continental, and global community hold him.

Read More

  1. Police Officer Attached to ODM Governor Loses Gun During Raila Odinga's Burial
  2. Young Voices Celebrate Raila Odinga in Heartfelt Mashujaa Day Performance
  3. Why Senator Cherargei Wants Sifuna Removed From ODM

President Ruto expressed gratitude on behalf of the Government and the people of Kenya, stating it was his profound privilege to sign under the authority of the Public Seal of the Republic and inscribe his name among the foremost of our national heroes.

"NOW THEREFORE, on this Mashujaa Day, the Twentieth Day of October in the year Two Thousand and Twenty-Five, and in reverent recognition of the Late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga's extraordinary contribution, shining legacy, and the bottomless debt of gratitude owed to him; on behalf of the Government and People of Kenya, it is my profound honour to act under the authority of the Public Seal of the Republic so as to inscribe his name among the foremost of our national heroes,” the gazette reads.

"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, in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 132 (4) (c) of the Constitution, do posthumously confer the following title of honour to-RT. HON. RAILA AMOLO ODINGA, Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya, First Class – Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (C.G.H.).”

The late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and President William Ruto.

The Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya represents the nation's highest civilian honor and is divided into three classes: Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.), Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.), and Moran of the Order of the Golden Heart (M.G.H.).

Past recipients include Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni, former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and the Aga Khan IV and V.

Most recently, in August, President Ruto awarded His Highness Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V the same honor in recognition of his personal commitment and the Aga Khan Development Network's service to Kenyans over the years.

During that conferment at State House, Nairobi, President Ruto described the moment as both historic and symbolic, affirming Kenya's appreciation for exceptional service to humanity and the nation.