President William Ruto on Friday led Kenyans in observing a minute of silence in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga during the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo National Stadium.
Standing at the VVIP stand, President Ruto addressed the crowd, saying, “I now respectfully urge all of us to join me in observing one minute of silence in honour and remembrance of the Rt Hon Raila Amolo Odinga, and honour his sacrifice, service and enduring legacy. May his spirit continue to guide our nation forward.”
Thousands of attendees immediately stood, bowing their heads in respect as the stadium fell into a solemn silence.
The moment was a marked contrast to the otherwise lively celebrations, demonstrating a shared respect for the veteran politician.
In his address, Ruto noted that Raila’s sacrifice for Kenya “expanded the democratic space we enjoy today”.
“Raila devoted himself to the pursuit of freedom, justice and peaceful co-existence. His courage, resilience and unwavering belief in the power of people shaped defining chapters of our national story and inspired generations to believe that change is possible,” he said.
Raila passed away on October 15, 2025, at the age of 80 while receiving medical treatment in India.
He was laid to rest on October 19, 2025.
During the Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20, Ruto dedicated the national occasion to the memory of the fallen statesman, describing him as “a towering patriot, resolute statesman and a quintessential hero.”
He posthumously conferred on Raila the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.), Kenya’s highest civilian honour, in recognition of his decades of service, sacrifice, and contribution to the country’s democratic evolution.
The gazette notice cited him as “a statesman of rare moral courage, a visionary patriot, a unifier of the people and a champion of justice.”
Raila’s political career spanned more than four decades, during which he played a pivotal role in Kenya’s transition to multiparty democracy, served as Prime Minister and championed numerous national reforms.
The minute of silence at Jamhuri Day reflected the nation’s collective mourning and respect, highlighting his enduring legacy as a unifying figure in Kenya’s political and social history.
Earlier on, Kenyans at Nyayo Stadium reacted to Raila’s absence, fondly known as “Baba.” Mixed with the enthusiasm for the celebrations were the quieter tones of grief and disbelief following his recent passing, an event that has left the nation in collective mourning.
Hellen Anyango, a resident of Kamukunji, arrived waving her national flag proudly but admitted she was struggling to come to terms with certain realities.
One of those, she noted, was the absence of Raila Odinga—a man who, for decades, shaped Kenya’s political landscape and whose presence at national events often symbolised unity and continuity.
“Siamini Baba hajaattend hapa…(I can't believe Raila hasn't attended this event) but rest in peace,” she said, her voice cracking as she acknowledged the finality of his passing.
Her sentiments echoed a larger sense of disbelief shared by other Kenyans who had grown accustomed to Baba’s presence during national ceremonies.
