Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has criticized President William Ruto over the award of the Chief of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.) to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Speaking on Monday, October 20, Natembeya described the gesture as untimely, pointing out the culture of hypocrisy when it comes to recognizing achievements.
"Let's not wait for people to die before we start praising and appreciating them. We are a pretentious and hypocritical nation. What stopped the President from awarding Raila the C.G.H. while he was still alive? Of what value is it now? He won't wear it around his neck," he said.
Natembeya further questioned why recognition for Raila's contributions seemed to come only after his passing.
"We seem to admit that when Raila was alive, we didn't recognize his good deeds, only after his death have we begun to see them," he added.
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On Mashujaa Day, Ruto conferred the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (C.G.H.) on Raila.
In a gazette notice, 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 notice 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 held him.
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 Raila 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.
It added, "In testimony whereof, and on behalf of an eternally grateful nation, I, William Samoei Ruto, 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 Raila Odinga, Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya, First Class – Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (C.G.H.)."
