President William Ruto has post humously conferred the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (C.G.H.), the country’s highest civilian honour, to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
In a gazette notice dated October 20, 2025, President William Ruto officially bestowed the honour on Raila.
President Ruto praised the late former PM, terming him a statesman of rare moral courage, a visionary patriot, a unifier of the people and a champion of justice.
At the same time, the Head of State announced conferment of the honour to Raila during Mashujaa Day celebrations at , 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.
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.
As the former Prime Minister, Raila is largely considered one of the most impactful leaders in Kenya’s history.
Raila 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 general elections.
Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations, 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.
The award comes a day after Raila was buried in an emotional ceremony in his rural home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County.
