Ruto Hails Raila as a National Hero During Mashujaa Day Fete in Kitui

President William Ruto has led Kenyans in marking this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kitui County, using the occasion to pay a heartfelt tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and to outline an ambitious plan to propel Kenya into a new era of progress, unity, and self-reliance.

Addressing thousands of citizens gathered at the newly completed Ithookwe Stadium on Monday, October 20, 2025, President Ruto described Raila as a patriot and national hero whose lifelong dedication to justice, democracy, and equality continues to inspire the nation.

“Baba dreamed of a Kenya built on justice, unity, and equal opportunity for every citizen. His lifelong vision was of a nation guided by the rule of law, where peace and prosperity flourish within our borders,” Ruto said.

The president noted that the week of national mourning had united the country in reflection, as Kenyans from all walks of life honoured Raila’s remarkable legacy.

“We honour the extraordinary life and legacy of the Right Honourable Raila Odinga, a true hero whose restless pursuit of justice and progress inspired a nation,” he added.

Ruto hailed Raila’s selflessness and statesmanship, describing his historic “Kibaki Tosha” declaration in 2002 as a timeless symbol of patriotism and unity.

“The former prime minister embodied the true spirit of unity, urging Kenyans to rise above tribe, region, and creed in pursuit of one national identity. His selfless declaration of ‘Kibaki Tosha’ remains a testament to his belief in one Kenya, united under God,” he said.

The head of state said Raila’s legacy serves as a challenge to the current generation of leaders to focus on visionary and transformative leadership rather than personal or political ambition.

“The true engine of national progress is visionary leadership, not one fixated on the next election, but one inspired to shape the next generation. It is through such bold and selfless leadership that nations rise and destinies are transformed,” Ruto said.

Stability and prosperity

Turning to his administration’s development priorities, President Ruto said it was time to build on Kenya’s stability and steer the nation toward long-term prosperity.

“Even as we celebrate the strides made in stabilising our nation over the past three years, the moment has come to elevate Kenya to the next level of progress,” he declared.

He outlined a new phase of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, anchored on food security, industrial growth, and sustainable energy.

“To secure our sovereignty and prosperity, we must act boldly, beginning with ensuring food security for every Kenyan,” he said. “Through the construction of 50 mega-dams and the irrigation of two million acres, we aim to unlock Kenya’s full agricultural potential and secure a prosperous future for all.”

The president also emphasised the need to transform Kenya into a manufacturing and value-addition economy.

“For Kenya to become a truly prosperous and job-creating nation, we must shift from being consumers to producers, and from exporters of raw materials to exporters of finished goods,” Ruto said, adding that the Africa Growth and Industrialization Initiative and new special economic zones would be central to this shift.

On energy, Ruto announced plans to expand the country’s generation capacity from 2,300 to 10,000 megawatts through investments in hydro, geothermal, solar, wind, and nuclear power.

“Access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy is the backbone of our nation’s transformation. We aim to power every home, energize industries, and position Kenya as the industrial hub of East Africa,” he said.

Ruto concluded by urging Kenyans to honour Raila Odinga’s legacy through unity, patriotism, and collective effort toward national progress.

“Baba’s greatness lay in his unwavering love for Kenya and his belief that national stability must come before personal ambition. True leadership is not about power or pride, but about safeguarding the nation’s peace, unity, and enduring hope for generations to come,” he said.

This year’s Mashujaa Day celebration, the first ever hosted in Kitui County, drew thousands of citizens, national and county leaders, and foreign dignitaries. The event also marked the official unveiling of the 10,000-seater Ithookwe Stadium and the upgraded Kitui Airstrip, both hailed as major milestones in advancing devolution and enhancing regional connectivity.

Read: Kitui Set for Mashujaa Day as Ithookwe Stadium and Airstrip Signal Devolution Gains

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