KITUI, Kenya — President William Ruto has defended former Prime Minister, the late Raila Amolo Odinga’s decision to cooperate with his administration, describing the move as an act of statesmanship rooted in the pursuit of peace and national stability.
Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County on Monday, October 20, the President paid an emotional tribute to the late opposition leader, calling him “a patriot who consistently put Kenya above personal ambition.”
Ruto took aim at critics who questioned Raila’s cooperation with the government, arguing that such sentiments ignored the broader goal of protecting Kenya from instability.
“Those who criticised and faulted Baba for working with us to stabilise the nation simply forget—or just don’t care—that there are countries in our region that were once stable but later descended into turmoil and disorder,” he said.
The President noted that Raila’s decision was not driven by self-interest but by his deep commitment to Kenya’s unity.
“For Agwambo, the specter of a failed nation was too grave to contemplate,” Ruto remarked. “He understood that leadership is not about personal pride but preserving the public; not about victory in politics, but preserving the nation we love.”
He recounted Raila’s advice during tense political periods, emphasising that stability must remain Kenya’s foundation.
“Baba reminded us that we may dream big, daring dreams, but without a stable country, they remain mere wishes. He said an imperfect nation striving for perfection is far better than one consumed by chaos and anarchy,” Ruto told the cheering crowd.
The President further said Raila’s critics had failed to appreciate that his willingness to bridge divides was a mark of courage, not weakness — a deliberate act of nation-building.
“History will remember Raila Odinga as a stabiliser, a reconciler, and a nation-builder who chose peace over pride,” Ruto added.
This year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations, held just a day after Raila’s burial in Bondo, Siaya County, were steeped in emotion, with tributes honouring his legacy as a freedom fighter, reformer, and visionary statesman.
Thousands filled the stadium, joined by dignitaries from across Africa — including Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye — to celebrate Kenya’s heroes and reflect on Raila’s enduring imprint on the nation’s democratic journey.
