President William Ruto heaped praises on the late former ODM leader Raila Odinga, describing him as a selfless individual who prioritised the interests of the country.
Ruto, who penned a glowing tribute to the late former prime minister during the posthumous celebration of his 81st birthday, said Odinga was “a patriot whose life was defined by courage, sacrifice, and an unyielding love for Kenya.”
“Baba taught us, time and again, that the country must always come before self, that no ambition is greater than our unity, and no victory more important than our peace,” the head of state noted on his Facebook page.
“He believed deeply in Kenya and never lost faith that our best days lie ahead. Whether in struggle or reconciliation, he chose stability over chaos, unity over division, and hope over despair.”
According to President Ruto, Kenyans need to not only celebrate Odinga himself as a man but also the lessons he left behind: “closing ranks for the common good, rising above partisanship, and keeping faith in the Kenyan dream.”
He further stated, “His journey teaches us that resilience is not the absence of struggle but the courage to walk through it with purpose. His vision did not end with him; it took root in the minds and hearts of those he mentored.”
Before his demise, Odinga led ODM into the signing of an agreement with the ruling party, UDA, leading to the creation of the broad-based government. In this arrangement, six of his allies with the ODM party were appointed cabinet secretaries. However, the association with the ruling party remains a divisive topic within ODM, with some of the leaders, such as the Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, constantly denying the existence of a commitment to support Mr Ruto in the forthcoming elections.