President William Ruto has paid tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, marking his 81st birthday following his demise.
The President described Raila as a patriot whose life exemplified courage, sacrifice, and unwavering love for Kenya.
Ruto said that Raila’s enduring faith in Kenya inspired generations, calling on Kenyans to remember not only the leader but also the lessons he left behind.
“Baba taught us, time and again, that the country must always come before self, that no ambition is greater than our unity, and no victory more important than our peace. He believed deeply in Kenya and never lost faith that our best days lie ahead. Whether in struggle or reconciliation, he chose stability over chaos, unity over division, and hope over despair,” the President said in a statement.
The President asked Kenyans to prioritise the common good, rise above partisanship, and keep faith in the Kenyan dream.
Other leaders have also hailed the former Prime Minister’s resilience, patriotism and commitment to constitutionalism, noting that he dedicated much of his life to the fight for multiparty democracy, social justice and inclusive governance.
Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka joined Kenyans in honouring the late Raila, paying a brief but poignant tribute on his posthumous 81st birthday.
“We remember. We appreciate. We honour Baba,” Kalonzo said.
The Wiper leader described Raila as a towering national figure whose contribution to Kenya’s democracy and reform journey will endure for generations.
ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna said it has been a hard time trying to come to terms with his demise.
He, however, said the nation takes the occasion to pause in mourning, in deep reflection and gratitude, to celebrate the life of the most iconic leader the nation has ever produced.
“The 80 years Raila lived represent a total of courage, sacrifice and an uncompromising belief in freedom and justice, the pursuit of which Raila neither wavered nor relented.”
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o reflected on Raila’s enduring legacy as Kenya’s political giant and Africa’s democratic conscience.
Governor Nyong’o described Raila as a leader who did not merely participate in history but interrupted it, compelling power to pause and reconsider its moral direction.
The Governor emphasised Raila’s commitment to structural justice, noting that the former Prime Minister pursued equity and democracy at great personal cost.
“Today, we mark a birthday not with celebration, but with contemplation; not with applause, but with silence heavy with meaning. We have no doubt lost; Raila Amollo Odinga was Kenya's political colossus, Africa's democratic conscience, and one of the most consequential architects of multiparty democracy in the postcolonial world,” he said in a statement.
“Raila Odinga belonged to that rare category of leaders who do not merely participate in history but interrupt it, forcing power to pause, reflect, and re-negotiate their moral direction. His life was an extended argument against injustice, an unrelenting critique of neocolonial power, and a lived example on resistance as a civic duty.”
As founder of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Raila Odinga is credited with transforming dissent into organised political education, mentoring generations to uphold ethical politics and ensuring that power remained accountable to the people.
Nyong’o reflected on the personal and national loss, noting that Raila’s absence highlights the rarity of principled leadership.
Yet he called on Kenyans to honour his legacy by defending his ideas and continuing the work of justice, equality, and national renewal.
“History will remember Raila Amollo Odinga not as a man who sought power for its own sake, but as one who carried the burden of a nation's unrealised promises. His life affirms that true leadership is measured not by titles held, but by truths defended,” he said.
“On this solemn birthday, we bow to his memory. We recommit to his ideals. And we remind ourselves that while the man has departed, the struggle he embodied remains our collective responsibility. May his soul rest in eternal peace. May his ideas continue to disturb injustice. And may Kenya, Africa, and the world remain forever indebted to his courage.”
On her part, Homa Bay Governor Wanga said, "7.1.2026: Baba 80+1. Forever in our hearts, Jakom."
An X user, Moibenshire, said, “On this day, January 7, 2026, the first posthumous birthday of Raila Amolo Odinga, we remember a giant whose 81st year would have begun. Born on January 7, 1945, Raila dedicated his life to the relentless pursuit of justice, democratic reform, and a more equitable Kenya,” the statement read.
“His journey of struggle, sacrifice, and unwavering vision left an indelible mark that reaches far beyond political borders and spans generations. Even in his absence, his legacy endures, inspiring ongoing conversations about democracy, accountability, and true leadership. May Baba’s spirit continue to guide and ignite the fight for a just and united Kenya.”
Comments 0
Sign in to join the conversation
Sign In Create AccountNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!