During the 2025 Mashujaa Day celebrations at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County, President William Ruto paid tribute to the late Raila Odinga, highlighting that Odinga’s legacy was rooted in fostering good leadership for Kenya rather than personal ambition.

Ruto stated, “For Baba, it was never about him becoming president. It was about Kenya having a good president. And Kenya moving from a third world status to a first world status in as short time as possible so that we, as a people and as a nation, can realize our true potential.”

The remarks emphasized Odinga’s focus on national progress over individual gain.

Warning against divisive politics

Ruto urged Kenyans to honor Odinga’s legacy by avoiding divisive actions.

He warned, “Therefore, be a desecration of his legacy if we were to allow ourselves to be divided by sectarian interests, by the peddlers of hate, or by the see-nothing-good-about-Kenya battalion.”

He highlighted Odinga’s enduring optimism, noting, “The fifth lesson from Baba’s life is one of unshakable faith in the future. He was a die-in-the-wool eternal optimist through every trial, setback, and triumph.”

Ruto underscored that this resilience was a cornerstone of Odinga’s character and a guide for Kenyans moving forward.

Shared vision for Kenya’s future

Reflecting on Odinga’s belief in Kenya’s potential, Ruto said, “The Right Honorable Raila believed that Kenya’s best days were still ahead. He endured prison, persecution, and political defeat, yet never surrendered to bitterness or gave in to hopelessness.”

He described Odinga’s leadership as visionary, stating, “His optimism wasn’t anchored on naivety. It was courage in motion. Not leadership focused on the next election, but leadership that aspires to impact the next generation. Leadership that dares to dream beyond its time and even its capacity. Leadership that is bold, visionary, and relentless in pursuit of the common good of our nation.”

Ruto also called on Kenyans to pursue ambitious goals, saying, “And we agreed that if Kenya is to attain first-world status within our lifetime, as it must, we should set for ourselves daring, audacious goals and pursue them with unwavering focus.”

The event also featured remarks from Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and a tribute from Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who described Odinga as a “statesman and a towering figure in Kenya’s democratic journey.”

The Mashujaa Day celebrations included a moment of reflection as Odinga’s favorite song, “Farewell Jamaica,” played, symbolizing national gratitude for his service and reinforcing a collective commitment to the ideals he championed.