- Across the country, Kenyans including prominent figures acknowledged that this year’s Mashujaa Day felt different
The Mashujaa Day celebrations held on October 20, 2025, at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County, will go down as one of the most memorable in Kenya’s history, not just for its grandeur, but for its timing.
It came just a day after the burial of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a man whose name is synonymous with Kenya’s democratic journey.
President William Ruto announced that this year’s Mashujaa Day was dedicated to Raila Odinga, in recognition of his immense contribution and sacrifice in shaping the transformation of Kenya.
“In his honour, we confer upon him Kenya’s highest civilian award, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.), First Class,” Ruto declared.
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According to the President, this distinction secures Mr. Odinga’s place among the foremost of Kenya's national heroes, a legacy meant to inspire generations to come.
Ruto has also pledged to champion the causes Raila held most dear: nurturing a democratic culture, strengthening food security, advancing value addition and agro-processing, expanding energy access, and driving infrastructure development.
Across the country, Kenyans including prominent figures acknowledged that this year’s Mashujaa Day felt different.
The Deputy Party Leader for Safina reflected,
“This Mashujaa Day is unlike any other. It is a day that carries both pride and pain, pride in the legacy of a giant, and pain in the reality of saying goodbye to a hero who defined an era.”
Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Barasa has hailed Ruto's action saying that this noble gesture reflects a spirit of unity, respect, and recognition for a man whose lifelong dedication shaped the nation’s democratic journey.
"I humbly take this moment to appreciate William Ruto for according the late Raila Odinga a State Interment and conferring upon him the honour of Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H), Kenya’s highest national award," he said.
