Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has been conferred the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (C.G.H.), the country’s highest civilian honour, days after his death.
In a gazette notice dated October 20, 2025, President William Ruto formally bestowed the honour on the former Prime Minister, praising him as a "statesman of rare moral courage, a visionary patriot, a unifier of the people and a champion of justice."
The award was also officially announced during Mashujaa Day celebrations, held just five days after Odinga’s passing on October 15.
“In testimony whereof, and on behalf of an eternally grateful nation, I, William Samoei Ruto, PhD, C.G.H., President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 132(4)(c) of the Constitution, posthumously confer upon Rt Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya, First Class – Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (C.G.H.),” the gazette notice read.
The Order of the Golden Heart is awarded by the Head of State to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the nation in various fields, including public service, leadership and national development.
Notably, the highest rank within the honour is the Chief of the Order (C.G.H.), which is reserved for heads of state, eminent public figures and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service to the country.
Raila's confirmation was a long time coming, as the former Prime Minister is largely considered one of the most impactful leaders in Kenya's history. He served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and has been a central figure in Kenya's political landscape for decades.
He also ran for the presidency five times and played a critical role in the famous 2008 power-sharing deal that helped end the post-election chaos which rocked Kenya after the 2007 polls.
In his Mashujaa Day address, President Ruto praised Raila for his commitment to the country, noting that despite political differences, he had made a major contribution to moving the country forward in unity.
On Sunday, Raila was buried in an emotional ceremony in his rural home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County, next to his father, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
Since Raila's passing, President Ruto has remained committed to honouring the former Prime Minister with the highest regard, including granting him a state funeral.
Raila joined a small group of Kenyans who have been accorded state funerals, including Jomo Kenyatta (1978), Michael Kijana Wamalwa (2003), Wangari Maathai (2011), Lucy Kibaki (2016), Daniel Arap Moi (2020), and Mwai Kibaki (2022).
