Ghanaian President Mahama salutes Kenyan officers bringing relief to Haiti
By Faith Lagat, December 12, 2025Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has commended Kenya’s police contingent serving in Haiti, praising their courage and dedication in providing relief to a nation long plagued by instability.
Speaking during Kenya’s 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo National Stadium on December 12, 2025, Mahama extended continental solidarity.
“I wish to send the sincerest appreciation from the people of Ghana to the people of Kenya for your timely intervention in Haiti, for bringing relief to the long-suffering people of Haiti.” He extended continental solidarity, adding: “On your 62nd day of Jamhuri, the people of Ghana are in solidarity with Kenyans.”
Historic ties and Pan-African vision
The Ghanaian leader traced the deep-rooted bond between the two nations to the independence era, noting: “We do not take the efforts of our forefathers for granted; the friendship between our independence leaders Jomo Kenyatta and Kwame Nkrumah has become an enduring flame that has continued to bind our two countries together.”
Looking beyond symbolism, Mahama urged African renewal and economic self-reliance. “Despite the challenges faced by Africans, the time has come for us to add value to Africa’s export, to claim a fairer share of our natural resource endowment, to provide transparent and accountable leadership, unleash the creativity and energies of our young people,” he said.
He further called on African nations to increase trade among countries and show Pan-African solidarity with all members of the African diaspora.
Tributes to national leaders
Domestically, Jamhuri Day featured a strong note of remembrance.
President William Ruto paid tribute to the late Raila Odinga by ordering a one-minute silence in his honour. The moment of reflection brought the packed stadium to a standstill as attendees observed in solemn respect, recognising Odinga’s decades-long service to the nation and his contributions to Kenya’s political and social landscape.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja paid tribute to the late Tom Mboya and the recently deceased opposition leader Raila Odinga while appealing to President William Ruto.
Of Mboya, Sakaja said: “He stood firm in his convictions even when he was unpopular and when he came under criticism. As a person in public service, I dare set the bar too high.” On Raila Odinga, he told the crowd: “Baba Amollo Odinga was the longest-serving MP, and on this first Jamhuri Day celebration without him, we pray that God continues to rest him in peace.”
Sakaja further called for the renaming of Talanta Stadium in honour of Odinga, saying he “devoted his life to serving the nation and its people.” Similar calls have been made by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma.