The Head of State said he felt inspired to acknowledge Raila’s legacy after listening to several stories shared by Kenyans about how the former Prime Minister influenced their lives.
As the celebrations began, President Ruto paused his speech and invited the entire stadium to rise and reflect on Raila’s contribution to the country.
“I respectfully ask all of us to join in a one-minute silence to honour Raila Amolo Odinga — his service, sacrifice, and the legacy he leaves behind,” President Ruto said.
A deep silence spread across the stadium before the President continued his address. He praised Raila as a man who gave his life to fighting for democracy, fairness, and unity in Kenya.
As the celebrations began, President Ruto paused his speech and invited the entire stadium to rise and reflect on Raila’s contribution to the country.
“I respectfully ask all of us to join in a one-minute silence to honour Raila Amolo Odinga — his service, sacrifice, and the legacy he leaves behind,” President Ruto said.
A deep silence spread across the stadium before the President continued his address. He praised Raila as a man who gave his life to fighting for democracy, fairness, and unity in Kenya.
According to the president, Raila’s determination shaped Kenya’s political history and inspired many people to believe in peaceful change.
President Ruto noted that many Kenyans had shared stories that helped keep Raila’s memory alive. He added that their experiences encouraged him to highlight Raila’s role during the national celebration.
He described Raila as a leader whose passion and courage pushed Kenya toward a more equal society.
President Ruto noted that many Kenyans had shared stories that helped keep Raila’s memory alive. He added that their experiences encouraged him to highlight Raila’s role during the national celebration.
He described Raila as a leader whose passion and courage pushed Kenya toward a more equal society.
“His belief in the power of the people changed our country in many ways. Generations will remember him for that,” Ruto said.
During the celebration, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja also paid tribute to the former Prime Minister. He urged President Ruto to rename the new Talanta Stadium to Raila Odinga International Stadium, saying it would honour the long-serving political icon.
“Next year, this event will take place at the new Talanta Stadium along Ngong Road. As Nairobi residents, we request that the stadium be named after our departed father, Raila Odinga,” Sakaja said.
Raila Odinga passed away in early October at the age of 80 after suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk at an Ayurvedic treatment centre in Kochi, India.
During the celebration, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja also paid tribute to the former Prime Minister. He urged President Ruto to rename the new Talanta Stadium to Raila Odinga International Stadium, saying it would honour the long-serving political icon.
“Next year, this event will take place at the new Talanta Stadium along Ngong Road. As Nairobi residents, we request that the stadium be named after our departed father, Raila Odinga,” Sakaja said.
Raila Odinga passed away in early October at the age of 80 after suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk at an Ayurvedic treatment centre in Kochi, India.
His death shocked the nation and sparked messages of sympathy from across the world.
He was laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, at his ancestral home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County. Raila was buried within 72 hours, following his personal wishes and cultural traditions.
The burial was private but emotional, attended mainly by his immediate family — his wife Ida Odinga, his children Rosemary, Raila Jr., and Winnie — as well as his siblings Oburu Odinga, Ruth Odinga, and Wenwa Akinyi Odinga.
Raila was buried with his iconic hat and fly whisk, items that symbolised his decades-long political identity.
The government accorded him a full state funeral. The Kenya Defence Forces honoured him with a 17-gun salute, recognising his long years of public service, activism, and leadership.
In his tribute, President Ruto noted that despite political differences, Raila remained a strong symbol of national unity.
He was laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, at his ancestral home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County. Raila was buried within 72 hours, following his personal wishes and cultural traditions.
The burial was private but emotional, attended mainly by his immediate family — his wife Ida Odinga, his children Rosemary, Raila Jr., and Winnie — as well as his siblings Oburu Odinga, Ruth Odinga, and Wenwa Akinyi Odinga.
Raila was buried with his iconic hat and fly whisk, items that symbolised his decades-long political identity.
The government accorded him a full state funeral. The Kenya Defence Forces honoured him with a 17-gun salute, recognising his long years of public service, activism, and leadership.
In his tribute, President Ruto noted that despite political differences, Raila remained a strong symbol of national unity.
He urged Kenyans to let the late leader’s life remind them of the importance of peace and togetherness.
“As we celebrate Jamhuri Day, let us also celebrate the people who helped build this nation. Raila was one of them,” he said.
The Jamhuri Day moment of silence served as a unifying gesture for Kenyans across political divides. Many citizens praised the president for honouring Raila, saying the call for unity was long overdue.
“As we celebrate Jamhuri Day, let us also celebrate the people who helped build this nation. Raila was one of them,” he said.
The Jamhuri Day moment of silence served as a unifying gesture for Kenyans across political divides. Many citizens praised the president for honouring Raila, saying the call for unity was long overdue.
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