NAIROBI, Kenya- President William Ruto has paid tribute to the late opposition leader Raila Odinga on what would have been his 81st birthday.
The President hailed the veteran politician as a patriot whose life was defined by courage, sacrifice, and unwavering love for Kenya.
In a post on X, the President said Raila, fondly known as Baba, repeatedly taught that the country must always come before self, that unity is more important than personal ambition, and that peace outweighs any victory.
“He believed deeply in Kenya and never lost faith that our best days lie ahead,” President Ruto said.
“Whether in struggle or reconciliation, he chose stability over chaos, unity over division, and hope over despair.”
Today, January 7, we mark what would have been the 81st birthday of the Right Honourable Raila Odinga, a patriot whose life was defined by courage, sacrifice, and an unyielding love for Kenya.Baba taught us, time and again, that the country must always come before self, that no
Ruto called on Kenyans to reflect on the lessons Raila left behind, emphasizing the importance of closing ranks for the common good, rising above partisan differences, and keeping faith in the Kenyan dream.
“Today, as we remember him on his birthday, we celebrate not just the man but the enduring principles he instilled in all of us,” Ruto said.
Raila Odinga, a central figure in Kenya’s second liberation, was instrumental in the country’s transition to multiparty democracy and the enactment of the 2010 Constitution, which introduced devolution and strengthened democratic institutions.
He passed away in October 2025 while receiving medical treatment abroad, leaving a political vacuum in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) that continues to influence the party’s internal dynamics.
Despite his passing, Raila’s legacy remains influential, with his principles of unity, justice, and national service continuing to shape Kenya’s political discourse.
