President William Ruto has awarded the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga with the highest honor posthumously.
While addressing Kenyans in Kitui County during Mashujaa Day Celebrations on Monday October 20, the Head of State stated that he has honored the former Prime Minister with the Chief of the Golden Heart of Kenya.
“On behalf of a grateful nation and through the authority vested in me as president I have today posthumously conferred upon the Right Honorable Prime Minister, Raila Odinga the Chief of the Golden Heart of Kenya,” Ruto said. Here is what the special gazette notice read:
Raila Given the Highest Honor by President William Ruto
WHEREAS, On the Fifteenth Day of October in the year Two Thousand and Twenty-Five, Kenya, Africa and the World suffered immeasurable loss with the passing of the Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga, EG.H., the former Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya, and one of the principal architects of Kenya’s modern. democratic order;
WHEREAS, the Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga dedicated the entirety of his adult life to the pursuit of justice, freedom and the equitable development of Kenya and advancement of her people;
WHEREAS, in service to the nation, the Late Premier served as a university lecturer, Member of Parliament for two decades, during which he served on both sides of the aisle of the National Assembly. Cabinet Minister, the de facto Leader of the Official Opposition and as the Second Prime Minister of the Republic:
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WHEREAS, throughout his life, whether in Government or outside of it, Ri. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga exemplified. courage, endurance, dedication, an unwavering commitment to the ideals of democracy and good governance, sacrifice, Pan-Africanism and faithful service to all of humanity:
WHEREAS, the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga leaves behind a towering legacy that will forever endure in the hearts and minds of all, while serving as an inspiration to the present generations of Kenyans and Africans and those yet to be born;
WHEREAS, in the passing of the Former Prime Minister, Kenya. Africa, and the World have lost a Statesman of rare moral courage, a visionary patriot, a unifier of the people and a champion of justice whose 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 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.
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.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, and on behalf of an eternally grateful nation, 1, 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) (r) of the Constitution, do posthumously confer the following title of honour RT. HON. RAILA AMOLO ODINGA Order of the Golden Heart of Kenуа
About Chief of the Golden Heart Award
The Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (C.G.H.) is Kenya’s highest national civilian honor, awarded by the President in recognition of outstanding and distinguished service to the nation.
It is the most senior of three classes within the Order of the Golden Heart, which is part of Kenya’s system of national honors.
The award is given to individuals who have demonstrated exemplary qualities, heroism, patriotism, or leadership. While it is most frequently given to sitting Kenyan presidents and prominent religious or military leaders, notable foreign dignitaries have also received the honor.
Classes of the Order of the Golden Heart
The Order of the Golden Heart is divided into three classes, designated by post-nominal letters:
- Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.): The highest class, usually awarded to presidents and other distinguished figures.
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- Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.): The second-highest class, often given to the Deputy President, cabinet secretaries, and other public service leaders.
- Moran of the Order of the Golden Heart (M.G.H.): The third class in the order
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