The 2025 Mashujaa Day celebrations, held on Monday, October 20, at the newly inaugurated Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County, transformed into a poignant national tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga. Thousands of Kenyans, joined by a host of national and international dignitaries, gathered to honor Odinga's profound legacy and immense contributions to the nation, just days after his passing on October 15.

President William Ruto led the commemorations, posthumously conferring upon Raila Odinga the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (First Class – Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart, C.G.H.), the nation’s highest honor. Officially gazetted on Mashujaa Day, this award recognized Odinga’s lifelong service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to Kenya’s democracy and development. President Ruto hailed Odinga as “one of the principal architects of Kenya’s modern democratic order,” describing him as “a singular spirit, a towering patriot, and a hero for the ages,” whose passing left an “immeasurable loss” across Kenya, Africa, and the world.

The tribute extended beyond official recognition, with the nation observing a moment of silence for the departed leader. Schoolchildren, dressed in Kenya’s national colors, performed a stirring choral poem: “Raila wetu lala salama (Baba), lala salama Raila shujaa, mwanga wa taifa letu, ulipigania haki na umoja,” translating to ‘Our Raila, rest in peace (Baba), rest in peace, hero Raila, light of our nation, you fought for justice and unity.’ Their performance also involved forming artistic symbols like a wind vane, a star, and the sun, representing Odinga’s enduring influence, and the words “Shujaa Raila,” moving the crowd to tears. One of Odinga's favorite songs, “I’m On My Way,” was played, blending nostalgia with renewed hope.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka dedicated the Mashujaa Day celebrations to Odinga’s memory, describing him as the embodiment of Kenya’s spirit of resilience and sacrifice, who had earned a place among the nation’s greatest heroes. International guests, including Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who was the guest of honor, and Mozambique Prime Minister Maria Benvinda Levy, also paid glowing tributes to Odinga, acknowledging his role as a true nationalist whose voice would continue to resonate in the struggle for a more just and democratic society.

President Ruto further elaborated on Odinga’s remarkable journey, tracing his political career spanning more than four decades from a university lecturer to Member of Parliament, Cabinet Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and Kenya’s second Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013. He emphasized Odinga’s consistent courage, endurance, dedication, and unwavering commitment to democracy and good governance. Ruto lauded Odinga’s steadfast belief in justice and equality, describing him as “a visionary patriot, a unifier of the people, and a champion of justice whose name will forever be etched in the annals of our Republic.”

Reflecting on Odinga's pivotal moments, the President and other speakers recalled his strategic surrender of personal ambition in 2002 with the “Kibaki Tosha” declaration, which ended decades of one-party dominance and ushered in a new democratic era. His leadership in the 2005 referendum and the Orange movement fostered civic participation. During the painful 2007-2008 post-election violence, he accepted the role of Prime Minister as a duty to unite a fractured nation. The 2010 Constitution, a transformative moment, bore the imprint of his lifelong struggle for equity and accountability, establishing devolution, rights, and institutional checks.

Even in electoral defeats in 2013 and 2017, Odinga chose legal avenues, normalizing institutional contestation and demonstrating that justice could be pursued peacefully. The unexpected yet ultimately calming “Handshake” with a political rival showcased his choice of reconciliation over revenge, lowering political temperatures. His final presidential bid, though unsuccessful, underscored his resilience and grace, cementing his legacy that a life of service is measured by impact, not just titles. Beyond Kenya, Odinga stood tall as an African statesman, a mediator, and a continental voice for justice.

The 62nd Mashujaa Day celebrations also highlighted Eastern Kenya’s rich cultural heritage. The event, marking the first time a national celebration was hosted in the region, saw 520 schoolchildren, dressed in national colors, perform a dazzling routine forming symbolic shapes like a wind vane, the sun, and an African thatched hut. Their patriotic songs and performances, along with those from gospel and traditional artists from Ukambani, including Bosco Mulwa, Stephen Kasolo, Stella Mengele, Mbuvi, Isaac Magukumu, and the Kakongo Sisters, thrilled the crowds. The Maroon Commandos Army Band also entertained, and the Sengenya and Kililimbi dancers delivered breathtaking displays, even drawing President Ruto and visiting leaders to join in the dance.

The theme of this year’s celebrations, “Transforming Lives Through Sustainable Energy” and “Kawi, Ustawi, Ushujaa” (Energy, Prosperity, Heroism), reflected the government’s focus on renewable energy and regional development. President Ruto outlined Kenya's progress, ongoing economic reforms, and efforts to empower citizens. Senegalese President Faye, during his address, urged African nations to embed their history in school curricula to help future generations understand the struggles and triumphs that shaped the continent, stressing that Africa’s true development would be built on knowledge, unity, and self-reliance.

In addition to the tribute to Odinga, 160 other Kenyans were honored for their service and sacrifice across 14 categories, including liberation struggle, entrepreneurship, sports, human rights, peacebuilding, and environmental conservation. Posthumous tributes were also paid to other national icons such as Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki, Daniel arap Moi, and Wangari Maathai. Live honorees included Mau Mau veteran Gitu wa Kahengeri, marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge, author Ngugi wa Thiong’o, philanthropist Manu Chandaria, and environmentalist Elizabeth Wathuti, all embodying the spirit of courage, sacrifice, and service. Security was tight, with police and military officers securing the venue and traffic rerouted around Kitui town, while upgrades to the local airstrip facilitated dignitary arrivals.

The day served as a powerful reminder of Kenya's resilience, unity, and the enduring spirit of heroism that continues to inspire generations, deeply influenced by the monumental life and legacy of Raila Amolo Odinga, a man who, as President Ruto noted,