Mashujaa Day 2025: Tim Wanyonyi honours Raila Odinga’s legacy
By Faith Lagat, October 20, 2025As Kenya observes Mashujaa Day 2025, the nation reflects on its heroes with a mixture of grief and gratitude.
Tim Wanyonyi, Westlands MP and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) stalwart, shared a tribute on X on Monday, October 20, 2025, highlighting the legacy of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
“As we mark Mashujaa Day 2025, we do so with heavy yet grateful hearts,” Wanyonyi wrote, acknowledging the recent passing of a towering political figure.
Odinga, who died on October 15, 2025, in India, was laid to rest on October 19 at his family home in Bondo, Siaya County.
Honouring Raila Odinga
Wanyonyi described Odinga as “a true Shujaa of Democracy whose courage, endurance, and love for this nation reshaped our destiny.”
The post came amid a period of national mourning following Odinga’s state funeral, attended by President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and thousands of mourners. The ceremony featured 17 military salutes and saw Odinga’s iconic hat and fly whisk placed beside his mother, Mary Ajuma Odinga, in the family compound, underscoring his standing as a national icon.
Celebrating contemporary heroes
Beyond historical figures, Wanyonyi urged Kenyans to recognize everyday heroes. “As we honour the freedom fighters of our past, we also salute the everyday heroes of today, teachers, health workers, farmers, youth, voters who never miss the long voting queues, always hopeful for a better Kenya, and everyone whose efforts keep the nation’s dream alive,” he stated.
The message resonated with the Mashujaa Day event to be held at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County, which highlights contributions across sectors of society. Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has also emphasised devolution as part of Odinga’s enduring legacy, noting that the Kitui Airstrip and other infrastructure projects enhance local enterprise and connectivity.
Legacy of service and resilience
Wanyonyi concluded with a call for reflection on heroism in everyday life: “May this Mashujaa Day remind us that heroism lives not only in great sacrifice but also in simple acts of service, compassion, and integrity. HAPPY MASHUJAA DAY, KENYA!” His sentiment was echoed by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who praised Odinga’s resilience, saying, “Years of detention did not stop you. The torture chambers did not faze you. The agony of bungled and stolen elections did not crush you.”
As Kenyans gathered at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, President Ruto pledged to uphold Odinga’s legacy, affirming the continued role of ODM in governance and national development.