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President William Ruto has joined Kenyans in honouring the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on what would have been his 81st birthday, following his passing.
In his tribute, the President praised Raila as a true patriot whose life was defined by bravery, sacrifice and a deep, unshakeable love for Kenya.
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Ruto said Raila’s lasting belief in the country inspired generations, urging Kenyans to remember not just the man, but the values and lessons he stood for.
“Baba consistently reminded us that the nation must always come before personal interests, that unity outweighs ambition, and that peace matters more than any victory. He had unwavering faith in Kenya and believed our best days were still ahead. In moments of struggle or reconciliation, he chose stability over disorder, unity over division, and hope over despair,” Ruto said.
The President called on citizens to put the common good first, rise above partisan politics and continue believing in the Kenyan dream.
Several leaders also paid tribute to Raila’s resilience, patriotism and firm commitment to constitutionalism, noting his lifelong dedication to the struggle for multiparty democracy, social justice and inclusive leadership.
Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka marked Raila’s posthumous 81st birthday with a brief but heartfelt message.
“We remember. We appreciate. We honour Baba,” Kalonzo said.
He described Raila as a towering national figure whose role in shaping Kenya’s democratic and reform journey will be felt for generations.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna said the period since Raila’s death has been deeply painful, but that the occasion offered a moment for collective mourning, reflection and gratitude.
He described Raila as the most iconic leader the country has produced, saying his life was marked by courage, sacrifice and an unyielding belief in freedom and justice.
“The years Raila lived were a testament to courage, sacrifice and an uncompromising commitment to justice—principles he never abandoned,” Sifuna said.
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o reflected on Raila’s legacy as a political giant in Kenya and a moral voice for democracy in Africa.
Nyong’o said Raila was not just a participant in history but a force that disrupted it, compelling those in power to pause and reassess their moral compass.
He highlighted Raila’s pursuit of equity and democracy, often at great personal cost.
“Today we mark a birthday not with celebration, but with reflection; not with applause, but with meaningful silence. Kenya has lost a political colossus and Africa has lost a democratic conscience,” Nyong’o said.
He added that Raila belonged to a rare class of leaders whose lives challenge injustice and redefine civic responsibility through resistance and principle.
As founder of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Raila was credited with turning dissent into structured political engagement, mentoring generations on ethical leadership and ensuring accountability to the people.
Nyong’o noted that Raila’s absence underscores how rare principled leadership has become, urging Kenyans to honour his legacy by defending his ideals and continuing the struggle for justice, equality and national renewal.
“History will remember Raila Amollo Odinga not as a man who chased power, but as one who bore the weight of a nation’s unfulfilled promises. True leadership is measured not by titles, but by the truths one defends,” he said.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga also paid tribute, writing: “7.1.2026: Baba 80+1. Forever in our hearts, Jakom.”
On social media, an X user identified as Moibenshire described Raila’s first posthumous birthday as a moment to remember a giant whose life was devoted to justice, democratic reform and a fairer Kenya.
“His struggle, sacrifice and unwavering vision left a lasting impact across generations. Even in death, his legacy lives on, continuing to inspire debates on democracy, accountability and genuine leadership. May Baba’s spirit keep guiding the fight for a just and united Kenya,” the post read.
