Ruto pays tribute to Raila, calls him a true patriot and statesman.
NAIROBI: KENYAN President William Ruto has paid tribute to the late Right Honourable Raila Amollo Odinga, describing him as a “true patriot and statesman” whose legacy will endure in Kenya’s democratic history.
In a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) page, President Ruto honoured the former Prime Minister’s years of service and commitment to the people of Kenya, particularly his fifteen year tenure as Member of Parliament for Langata Constituency.
“For fifteen years, our departed leader, the Right Honourable Raila Amollo Odinga, served the people of Langata Constituency with unwavering dedication and distinction as their Member of Parliament,” President Ruto wrote.
He highlighted Odinga’s instrumental role in advancing justice, democracy, and national progress, noting his significant contribution to the passage of the 2010 Constitution during his time as Kenya’s Prime Minister.
“During this time, he was a tireless champion of justice, democracy, and progress playing a pivotal role in shaping some of the most consequential laws in our Republic’s history,” the statement added.
President Ruto further stated that it was “most fitting” for Odinga to lie-in-state at the August House, allowing the three arms of government the Executive, Parliament, and the Judiciary alongside the nation, to pay their final respects.
“It is, therefore, most fitting that he lies-in-state at the August House, granting the three arms of Government and the nation a solemn moment to honour, with reverence and gratitude, the life and legacy of a true patriot and statesman,” he said.
Several regional and international leaders gathered at Parliament Buildings today to pay their last respects to Odinga. Among those present were former Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta and Mwai Kibaki’s family representatives, Tanzania’s Vice-President Dr. Philip Mpango, Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga, and representatives from the African Union.
The leaders described Odinga as a visionary who dedicated his life to the fight for good governance, freedom, and unity in Africa.
The former Prime Minister’s passing has drawn tributes from across the continent, with many remembering him as a fearless reformist who shaped Kenya’s political landscape for decades.
The leaders described Odinga as a visionary who dedicated his life to the fight for good governance, freedom, and unity in Africa.
The former Prime Minister’s passing has drawn tributes from across the continent, with many remembering him as a fearless reformist who shaped Kenya’s political landscape for decades.
The leaders described Odinga as a visionary who dedicated his life to the fight for good governance, freedom, and unity in Africa.
The former Prime Minister’s passing has drawn tributes from across the continent, with many remembering him as a fearless reformist who shaped Kenya’s political landscape for decades.
